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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.