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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility 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 park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.