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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has revealed it was obliged to humanely kill two of its older lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

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

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “after a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager added.

In a recent statement, the park verified that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We recently farewelled two of our lions, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the facility had previously indicated would be euthanised.

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the establishment and continuing to care for the lions. Although the window is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing everything we can to investigate this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or compassionate choice” due to their age, the group size involved, and their specialized requirements.

The park’s announcements were filled with comments from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the facility would rethink the course of action to put them down.

The operator mentioned that alongside the supportive comments and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request consideration and courtesy as we manage this heartbreaking predicament.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to put down the cats lay with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the course of action.

A senior official explained that putting down had to be carried out compassionately, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to verify this is done correctly,” the official noted. “We are assured that the establishment continues to meet its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The park attained a degree of notoriety in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it soon ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The park frequently ran into monetary difficulties and employment issues, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.