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

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive comments.

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

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.