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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. 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 humanely killed.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.