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A beleaguered wildlife park 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 city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online announcement, the establishment explained 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 landowner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the property but significant monetary input,” the manager explained.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were worsening. These decisions were made with utmost compassion and consideration,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the circumstances remain uncertain, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

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

The park’s announcements were filled with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while former staff members expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The director noted that alongside the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and offensive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We understand that emotions are high, but we request kindness and respect as we navigate this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries indicated that the determination to humanely kill the big cats was the responsibility of the owners, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be onsite to verify this is done appropriately,” the official said. “We are confident that the operation continues to meet its animal care and containment requirements.”

The sanctuary attained some recognition in the early 2000s when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it rapidly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into economic issues and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors on several occasions. In 2014, the government agency ordered the facility to shut down until the facilities were upgraded. It restarted in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.