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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the establishment indicated 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 euthanised “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. While the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also encountered threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to humanely kill the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure obligations.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.