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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park 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 rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.