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

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

In a social media post, the facility indicated that its proprietor had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial capital investment,” the manager noted.

In a subsequent announcement, 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 incurable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager said.

However, there was a “flicker of optimism” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with messages from the community, requesting a second chance for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would review the decision to euthanise them.

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

“This is extremely upsetting,” she said. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this tragic predicament.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to put down the lions lay with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be performed ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An animal welfare inspector will be present to ensure this is done properly,” the official said. “We are assured that the facility continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.