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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.