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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

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

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.