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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.