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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment explained 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 difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The team and I are deeply saddened,” said the sanctuary’s operator.

“While it could possibly continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial capital investment,” the operator added.

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

“We had to part with two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These actions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

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

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is short and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and keep hope alive.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager mentioned that amid the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We understand that passions are strong, but we ask for compassion and courtesy as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the decision to humanely kill the lions was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to confirm this is done correctly,” the representative noted. “We are confident that the operation continues to fulfill its animal care and enclosure requirements.”

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

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

The facility often ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to close until the facilities were improved. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.