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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 fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator explained.

In a subsequent update, the facility verified that two of its lions had been put down.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the director remarked.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the deadline is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director stated that alongside the kind messages and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to put down the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been notified of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer stated that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to verify this is done correctly,” the spokesperson noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and security responsibilities.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the establishment to close until the enclosures were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.