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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.