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

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

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.