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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still uncertain, following monetary problems.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the past weekend.

In a social media post, the facility clarified that its proprietor had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, ranging from 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a tough decision made by the property owner.”

“All possibilities were exhausted. The team and I are devastated,” commented the park’s director.

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but significant financial backing,” the director added.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were incurable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and consideration,” the manager remarked.

However, there was a “ray of hope” for the other five lions, which the sanctuary had earlier indicated would be humanely killed.

“A handful of parties have expressed interest in purchasing the establishment and providing for the lions. Even though the deadline is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing all we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, begging for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the park would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The manager stated that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also encountered hostile and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we request compassion and decency as we manage this devastating situation.”

The proprietor declined to comment.

The ministry for primary industries stated that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been notified of the plan.

A senior official explained that euthanasia had to be carried out humanely, and in line with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to confirm this is done appropriately,” the official noted. “We are satisfied that the establishment continues to satisfy its animal welfare and containment requirements.”

The facility achieved some recognition in the early 2000s when it was shown on a TV program about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a handler was fatally attacked by a white tiger while cleaning its enclosure.

The facility frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries directed the park to close until the facilities were modernized. It resumed operations in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.