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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared 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 white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.