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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.