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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.