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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the sanctuary 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

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

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

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.