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A struggling wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online post, the facility 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.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director noted.

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

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and thoughtfulness,” the director said.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Although the deadline is tight and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to investigate this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by comments from members of the public, begging for a second chance for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to euthanise them.

The manager noted that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting remarks.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we appeal for compassion and decency as we manage this tragic circumstance.”

The proprietor chose not to respond.

The government department indicated that the choice to euthanise the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A deputy director commented that euthanasia had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official stated. “We are confident that the facility continues to meet its animal care and containment obligations.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership multiple times. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the establishment to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.