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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.