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

The private wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the past weekend.

In a online update, the facility indicated that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the group of seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be euthanised “after a challenging decision made by the landowner.”

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

“Even though it may potentially continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a scenario would require not only the acquisition of the land but substantial financial backing,” the operator explained.

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

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were worsening. These actions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the manager remarked.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in buying the facility and continuing to care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is limited and the situation remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to investigate this possibility and hold onto hope.”

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

The sanctuary’s updates were flooded with comments from the community, pleading for a stay of execution for the other big cats, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would reconsider the course of action to euthanise them.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and words of condolence, she had also received hostile and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she said. “We understand that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and courtesy as we navigate this devastating predicament.”

The landowner refused to comment.

The regulatory body stated that the decision to put down the lions lay with the owners, and that it had been advised of the plan.

A senior official stated that humane killing had to be carried out compassionately, and in compliance with animal protection legislation.

“An regulatory officer will be present to confirm this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are assured that the facility continues to fulfill its wildlife protection and containment obligations.”

The facility gained some recognition in the early 2000s when it appeared on a television show about a celebrity big cat handler.

However, it rapidly encountered difficulties. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary often encountered monetary difficulties and staffing problems, and had multiple owners repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to shut down until the enclosures were modernized. It restarted in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.