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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the facility’s manager.

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

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

“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 deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and respect as we manage this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

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

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.