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

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

In a social media 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 employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.