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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and decency as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.