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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.