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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator said.

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 expressed interest in buying the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.