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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.