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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator 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 shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.