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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced 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 not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.