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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was obliged to put down two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

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

In a social media post, the establishment indicated that its owner 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 “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could potentially continue as a lion park under new ownership, such a future would require not only the acquisition of the land but considerable financial backing,” the director added.

In a subsequent statement, the sanctuary confirmed that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“Yesterday we said goodbye Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were declining. These choices were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A few individuals have shown interest in acquiring the property and providing for the lions. Although the deadline is limited and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to pursue this opportunity and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or ethical option” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their complex needs.

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with responses from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed desire that the park would reconsider the decision to end their lives.

The manager stated that alongside the supportive comments and words of condolence, she had also been subjected to hostile and insulting comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We acknowledge that passions are strong, but we appeal for consideration and courtesy as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body clarified that the choice to humanely kill the lions rested with the landowners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A deputy director stated that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An animal welfare inspector will be on location to ensure this is done correctly,” the representative said. “We are satisfied that the operation continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a broadcast series about a famous animal trainer.

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The park repeatedly ran into economic issues and staffing problems, and switched proprietors multiple times. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.