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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The facility repeatedly encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.