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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.