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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.