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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed 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 incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.