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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has revealed it was compelled to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the fate of the remaining five lions still uncertain, following financial difficulties.

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

In a online update, the establishment clarified that its owner had listed the land up for sale in August, and the seven lions, aged between 18 and 21 years old, would be put down “following a difficult decision made by the property owner.”

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

“Although it might potentially continue as a wildlife attraction under different management, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the land but significant monetary input,” the manager added.

In a subsequent announcement, the sanctuary announced that two of its lions had been euthanised.

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had grave illnesses that were not treatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with profound consideration and deliberation,” the director stated.

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

“A few individuals have expressed interest in acquiring the property and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the window is tight and the conditions remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this possibility and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to another facility was not a “practical or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their specialized requirements.

The facility’s posts were filled with responses from concerned citizens, begging for a second chance for the remaining lions, while past workers expressed desire that the sanctuary would review the course of action to put them down.

The operator stated that alongside the kind messages and expressions of sympathy, she had also been subjected to menacing and abusive remarks.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We recognize that passions are strong, but we request consideration and courtesy as we handle this devastating predicament.”

The proprietor refused to comment.

The regulatory body indicated that the determination to euthanise the lions was the responsibility of the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the plan.

A senior official stated that putting down had to be carried out humanely, and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

“An compliance official will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the representative noted. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to meet its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The facility attained some recognition in the early part of the century when it featured on a television show about a famous animal trainer.

However, it soon faced challenges. In 2009, a staff member was mauled to death by a white tiger while carrying out duties.

The sanctuary frequently experienced economic issues and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners on several occasions. In 2014, the ministry of primary industries instructed the park to shut down until the habitats were upgraded. It reopened in 2021 but entered administration in 2023.