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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors 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 seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame 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 handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.