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

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

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.