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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.