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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its older lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, 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 euthanised “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, begging for a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.