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

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

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

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.