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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.