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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.