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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility indicated 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

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 notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.