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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility explained that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the director remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the property and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

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

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we manage this tragic predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, 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 establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained 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 handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly ran into monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the habitats were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.