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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior 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 online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.