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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained 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 difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.