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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment clarified 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 challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.