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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 unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.