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

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the director noted.

In a subsequent statement, the park 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 actions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.