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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city 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 group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant capital investment,” the director explained.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.