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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary 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 not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.