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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

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

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.