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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a later announcement, the facility announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or compassionate option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the park would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and decency as we manage this devastating circumstance.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the decision to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be performed compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.