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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified 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 onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to cease operations until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.