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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

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 serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.