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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was forced to euthanise two of its older lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media announcement, the facility clarified 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under new ownership, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a later statement, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to explore this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed optimism that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and decency as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to put down the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer commented that humane killing had to be performed ethically, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility frequently encountered economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency instructed the facility to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.