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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

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

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.