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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical alternative” due to their age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise 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 conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary achieved a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.