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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land 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 employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.