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

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough 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 different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.