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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

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

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.