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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“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 consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.