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

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

In a online update, the establishment 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 “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the director added.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the circumstances 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 “viable or humane option” due to their age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to threatening and offensive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department indicated that the choice to put down the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A senior official stated that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.