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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the determination to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The park gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.