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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed 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 not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition 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 keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.