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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unclear, 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 humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.