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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility explained 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and respect as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.