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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the park 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.