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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated that its proprietor 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 “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the director explained.

In a later statement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

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

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

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

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.