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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to euthanise the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.