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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.