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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.