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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged 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 past weekend.

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the park confirmed 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 worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.