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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary verified 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 not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to euthanise the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.