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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to euthanise two of its elderly lions, with the fate of the other five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a scenario would require not only the purchase of the property but considerable capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the director remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from members of the public, pleading for a reprieve for the other big cats, while former staff members expressed desire that the facility would rethink the plan to euthanise them.

The operator mentioned that alongside the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also received threatening and insulting comments.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We recognize that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we navigate this heartbreaking predicament.”

The landowner declined to comment.

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

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be performed compassionately, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be present to verify this is done properly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the operation continues to meet its animal welfare and security requirements.”

The facility achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it was shown on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility often encountered monetary difficulties and employment issues, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.