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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to euthanise two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online update, the facility 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 put down “after a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the purchase of the land but significant financial backing,” the operator noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were declining. These choices were made with utmost compassion and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have shown interest in purchasing the facility and continuing to care for the lions. While the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to pursue this option and maintain optimism.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their advanced age, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from concerned citizens, pleading for a reprieve for the remaining lions, while former staff members expressed hope that the facility would reconsider the decision to put them down.

The operator stated that amid the sympathetic words and expressions of sympathy, she had also received menacing and abusive messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she remarked. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we ask for kindness and respect as we navigate this devastating circumstance.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the course of action.

A high-ranking officer explained that humane killing had to be carried out ethically, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done correctly,” the spokesperson said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and security obligations.”

The park attained minor fame in the early 2000s when it appeared 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 performing maintenance.

The facility repeatedly ran into financial trouble and staffing problems, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the facility to shut down until the facilities were improved. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.