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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

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

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.