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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are deeply saddened,” commented the park’s director.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the director explained.

In a recent update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with comments from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.