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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.