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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility explained 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.