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

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator said.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered threatening and offensive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that euthanasia had to be performed humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It reopened in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.