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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.