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

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye 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 director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.