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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older 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 weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and security obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety 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 fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.