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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the decision to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done correctly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility gained minor fame in the early part of the century when it featured on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

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

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.