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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment clarified 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a recent update, the facility confirmed 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 deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.