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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, 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 put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.