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A financially troubled wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to put down two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the remaining five lions still unclear, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The employees and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“While it could potentially continue as a big cat facility under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent announcement, the park confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye two of our lions, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These decisions were made with deep care and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in buying the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the window is limited and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing our utmost to explore this opportunity and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The sanctuary’s updates were filled with messages from members of the public, pleading for a second chance for the other big cats, while past workers expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to euthanise them.

The director noted that amid the sympathetic words and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we navigate this tragic circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The government department stated that the decision to put down the cats was the responsibility of the landowners, and that it had been advised of the intention.

A deputy director stated that putting down had to be conducted humanely, and in compliance with animal welfare law.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the official said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved a degree of notoriety in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly faced challenges. In 2009, a keeper was fatally attacked by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the facility to close until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.