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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent statement, the facility verified 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 worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The director noted that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for compassion and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly experienced financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.