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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.