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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained 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 put down “following a tough 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 fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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 expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.