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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the 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 team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

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

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.