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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” 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 expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.