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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.