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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.