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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are deeply saddened,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. While the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the choice to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.