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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors 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 group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

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

A senior official commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility often experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.