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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to put down the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.