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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.