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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

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

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.