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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.