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

The private wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment indicated 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 put down “following a challenging decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” stated the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but considerable monetary input,” the operator noted.

In a recent statement, the sanctuary verified that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion 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 euthanised.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation 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 “practical or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their demanding care.

The facility’s posts were overwhelmed by responses from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would review the plan to end their lives.

The operator noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and decency as we navigate this tragic predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

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

A deputy director commented that putting down had to be performed humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are confident that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal care and security obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it was shown on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a handler was mauled to death by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the facilities were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.