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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.