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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.