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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 other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility 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 “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.