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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.