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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment 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 euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary repeatedly ran into economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.