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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

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

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.