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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.