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

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

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

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “practical or humane alternative” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with comments from concerned citizens, requesting a stay of execution for the other big cats, while past workers expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that amid the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered menacing and offensive comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to humanely kill the cats rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

The park achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly experienced economic issues and employment issues, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the park to close until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.