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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager added.

In a later 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 not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.