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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other 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 post, the facility indicated 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 put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.