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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.