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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 financial difficulties.

The privately owned wildlife park in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the establishment explained that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the facility’s manager.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but substantial monetary input,” the operator noted.

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

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in acquiring the facility and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “feasible or compassionate alternative” due to their age, the number of cats involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were flooded with comments from concerned citizens, begging for a reprieve for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed hope that the sanctuary would rethink the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also encountered menacing and abusive messages.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we appeal for kindness and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the big cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A senior official explained that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved minor fame in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

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

The park frequently experienced monetary difficulties and employment issues, and changed ownership on several occasions. In 2014, the regulatory body instructed the park to shut down until the enclosures were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.