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A struggling 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 undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified that its proprietor 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 property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the director explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or compassionate choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

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

The facility attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often experienced financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the habitats were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.