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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.