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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified 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 “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the official stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.