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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.