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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the park would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that amid the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

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

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.