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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has stated it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the other five lions still unclear, following financial difficulties.

The private wildlife sanctuary in the northern city of Whangārei ceased operations over the weekend.

In a online post, the facility clarified that its owner had put the property up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a tough decision made by the property owner.”

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

“While it could possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial monetary input,” the manager explained.

In a later statement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and thoughtfulness,” the manager stated.

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

“A handful of parties have indicated willingness in acquiring the facility and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this opportunity and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “viable or humane option” due to their elderly status, the group size involved, and their complex needs.

The facility’s posts were filled with messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the park would rethink the plan to put them down.

The director stated that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to hostile and abusive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request consideration and respect as we handle this heartbreaking circumstance.”

The property owner chose not to respond.

The regulatory body indicated that the choice to euthanise the lions lay with the proprietors, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official commented that putting down had to be conducted ethically, and in line with animal welfare law.

“An compliance official will be on location to confirm this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the operation continues to satisfy its animal welfare and enclosure responsibilities.”

The sanctuary gained some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a TV program about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it soon encountered difficulties. In 2009, a staff member was killed by a white tiger while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the enclosures were improved. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.