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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.