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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 destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.