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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While 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 “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.