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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.