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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.