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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still undecided, following financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a social media post, 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but significant financial backing,” the operator added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with deep care and deliberation,” the operator remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or ethical choice” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, pleading for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would review the decision to end their lives.

The director mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and respect as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The government department stated that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and enclosure requirements.”

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the facility to cease operations until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.