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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed 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 deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

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

The director stated that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.