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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently encountered financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.