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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was compelled to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The director stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that euthanasia had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.