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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.