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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment explained 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 euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

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

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.