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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the establishment clarified that its proprietor 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 tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that among the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.