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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.