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

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.