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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its proprietor 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“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 “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.