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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction 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 update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.