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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.