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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.