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

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.