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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city 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 group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent update, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.