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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment explained that its proprietor 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame 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 facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.