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A beleaguered wildlife park in New Zealand has announced it was forced to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the destiny of the other five lions still undecided, following monetary problems.

The private wildlife reserve in the northern city of Whangārei closed its doors over the past weekend.

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

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are heartbroken,” said the park’s director.

“Even though it may possibly continue as a lion park under different management, such a outcome would require not only the acquisition of the property but substantial monetary input,” the director noted.

In a recent update, the park announced that two of its lions had been humanely killed.

“We had to part with Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had significant medical issues that were incurable and were deteriorating. These choices were made with deep care and consideration,” the director stated.

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

“A several interested parties have indicated willingness in purchasing the facility and providing for the lions. Although the timeframe is short and the circumstances remain unresolved, we are doing everything we can to explore this option and keep hope alive.”

Relocating the lions to a different location was not a “feasible or ethical alternative” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from the community, requesting a stay of execution for the surviving lions, while past workers expressed optimism that the sanctuary would reconsider the plan to end their lives.

The manager mentioned that amid the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also been subjected to menacing and insulting messages.

“This is extremely upsetting,” she commented. “We acknowledge that feelings are intense, but we ask for kindness and decency as we manage this devastating predicament.”

The property owner refused to comment.

The government department clarified that the determination to put down the lions rested with the proprietors, and that it had been informed of the intention.

A high-ranking officer stated that humane killing had to be performed humanely, and in accordance with wildlife regulations.

“An regulatory officer will be onsite to ensure this is done properly,” the spokesperson said. “We are confident that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and enclosure obligations.”

The sanctuary achieved some recognition in the early part of the century when it appeared on a broadcast series about a well-known lion tamer.

However, it quickly faced challenges. In 2009, a handler was killed by a big cat while cleaning its enclosure.

The park repeatedly experienced monetary difficulties and workforce challenges, and had multiple owners multiple times. In 2014, the government agency directed the establishment to shut down until the habitats were improved. It resumed operations in 2021 but faced insolvency in 2023.