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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.