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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program 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 often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.