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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.