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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are deeply saddened,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

In a recent statement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for compassion and decency as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to humanely kill the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.