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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.