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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 remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.