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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.