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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly 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 ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director added.

In a later statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.