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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a later statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.