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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility 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 put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent statement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and respect as we handle this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.