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

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.