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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The manager noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.