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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its owner 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 property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.