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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the 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,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.