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

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.