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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.