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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

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

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.