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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are devastated,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and insulting messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.