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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older 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 ceased operations over the weekend.

In a social media update, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land 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 landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the conditions remain unresolved, 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 option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.