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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media update, the facility 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 park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to put down the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

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

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.