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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from the community, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the facility to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.