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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media announcement, the establishment clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“Although it might potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but considerable capital investment,” the manager explained.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or compassionate alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the park would reconsider the plan to put them down.

The operator stated that among the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we ask for consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to euthanise the cats lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official commented that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done properly,” the representative stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The park gained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.