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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.