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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

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

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.