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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and thoughtfulness,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the decision to euthanise the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.