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

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property 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.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that among the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park often encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.