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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.