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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 fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the park announced 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 incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.