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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated 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 challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.