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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.