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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other 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 social media update, the facility explained that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are heartbroken,” commented the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. While the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to investigate this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or compassionate choice” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would review the decision to euthanise them.

The director mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that emotions are high, 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 determination to euthanise the cats lay with the landowners, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to close until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.