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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.