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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a later announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the operator said.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were flooded with messages from members of the public, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that among the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received threatening and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that emotions are high, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and enclosure obligations.”

The park attained 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 fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the establishment to close until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.