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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.