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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife park in the northern city of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the park’s director.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a future would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable financial backing,” the director explained.

In a subsequent statement, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager said.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The park’s announcements were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager noted that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and decency as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be conducted compassionately, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done correctly,” the spokesperson stated. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the establishment to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.