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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the facility 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.