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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.