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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.