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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to put down two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a online announcement, the facility indicated 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” commented the facility’s manager.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were not treatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain unresolved, we are doing our utmost to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical option” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the course of action to end their lives.

The manager stated that among the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to threatening and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we manage this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the determination to humanely kill the cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

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

“An regulatory officer will be present to verify this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson said. “We are assured that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently encountered economic issues and workforce challenges, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body ordered the facility to cease operations until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.