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

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

In a online post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park 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 encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.