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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, 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 incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.