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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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 shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The facility repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.