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

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

In a social media update, the establishment 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.