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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.