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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a later update, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to put them down.

The manager stated that among the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

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

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.