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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility announced 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 untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.