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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the sanctuary announced 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 incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the plan to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for consideration and respect as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director explained that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.