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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century 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 cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.