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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed 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 privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced 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 not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the facility and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A senior official commented that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.