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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a social media post, the facility explained 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 “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The employees and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant capital investment,” the director noted.

In a later announcement, the park 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 untreatable and were worsening. These choices were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the manager remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. While the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing our utmost to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed optimism that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to end their lives.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive remarks.

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

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the decision to put down the cats rested with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while carrying out duties.

The facility often encountered economic issues and employment issues, and changed ownership repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the establishment to shut down until the enclosures were upgraded. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.