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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had put the property 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 landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” stated the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane option” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from concerned citizens, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the big cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The sanctuary often encountered economic issues and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.