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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.