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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors 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, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the operator added.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.