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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

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

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

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.