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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained that its owner 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the manager noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to put them down.

The director mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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 confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.