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A beleaguered 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 financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the director explained.

In a later update, the park confirmed 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 deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the operator said.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the park had earlier indicated would be put down.

“A few individuals have indicated willingness in acquiring the property and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the deadline is tight and the situation remain uncertain, we are doing all we can to pursue this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or humane alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with messages from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would review the plan to euthanise them.

The operator noted that alongside the supportive comments and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive messages.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she remarked. “We understand that passions are strong, but we request kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department clarified that the determination to humanely kill the big cats rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out ethically, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done appropriately,” the spokesperson stated. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its wildlife protection and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park often ran into monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to close until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.