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

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.