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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.