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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.