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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 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 heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.