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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.