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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from the community, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.