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

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

In a social media post, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Although it might possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable capital investment,” the operator noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director said.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the property and maintaining care for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security responsibilities.”

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

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park frequently ran into financial trouble and employment issues, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.