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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility clarified 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 euthanised “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the operator stated.

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

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Even though the window is short and the conditions remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received menacing and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the determination to euthanise the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

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

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done properly,” the representative said. “We are assured that the facility continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park repeatedly encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body directed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.