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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern town of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

In a online post, the establishment 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 put down “after a tough decision made by the landowner.”

“No viable alternatives remained. The employees and I are heartbroken,” stated the park’s director.

“Even though it may potentially continue as a big cat facility under different management, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial financial backing,” the operator noted.

In a recent update, 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 untreatable and were declining. These decisions were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the other five lions, which the park had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have shown interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “viable or humane alternative” due to their advanced age, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with responses from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while ex-employees expressed optimism that the facility would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The operator mentioned that amid the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and insulting remarks.

“This is profoundly disturbing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we appeal for kindness and respect as we navigate this tragic situation.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body clarified that the decision to humanely kill the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

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

The sanctuary gained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared on a TV program about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park often experienced economic issues and employment issues, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to close until the habitats were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.