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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a recent announcement, the facility 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 untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department clarified that the choice to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.