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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

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

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a recent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.