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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 outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions 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 “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.