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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

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

The park repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.