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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility 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 untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.