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

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

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

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.