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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and containment responsibilities.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.