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

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

In a online post, the establishment 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 “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

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

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.