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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was forced to put down two of its older lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

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

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the other five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or humane option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the course of action to end their lives.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request compassion and courtesy as we navigate this devastating situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The park frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.