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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.