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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified 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 tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable financial backing,” the manager explained.

In a recent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and decency as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the choice to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and security obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety 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 staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.