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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.