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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media update, the facility indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the director noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the decision to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.