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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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 specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.