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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

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

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.