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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director mentioned that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The park achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.