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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The manager noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.