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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.