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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“Although it might possibly continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the director noted.

In a subsequent update, the facility announced that two of its lions had been put down.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or compassionate option” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from the community, requesting a second chance for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this heartbreaking situation.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the big cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its animal care and containment responsibilities.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary often ran into economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.