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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following economic struggles.

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

In a social media announcement, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, the facility verified 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 untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Although the window is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that among the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we appeal for compassion and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility often encountered financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.