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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the park verified 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 incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and offensive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the big cats rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security requirements.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the park to close until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.