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A beleaguered wildlife sanctuary in New Zealand has stated it was obliged to humanely kill two of its senior lions, with the outcome of the other five lions still unclear, following economic struggles.

The privately owned wildlife reserve in the northern town of Whangārei shut down over the weekend.

In a social media post, the facility 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 euthanised “following a difficult decision made by the landowner.”

“There were no real options left. The team and I are devastated,” said the facility’s manager.

“Although it might possibly continue as a lion park under fresh proprietors, such a outcome would require not only the purchase of the property but substantial monetary input,” the manager noted.

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

“We recently farewelled Imvula and Sibili, both of whom had serious health conditions that were untreatable and were deteriorating. These decisions were made with deep care and consideration,” the operator stated.

However, there was a “glimmer of hope” for the remaining five lions, which the sanctuary had previously indicated would be humanely killed.

“A several interested parties have expressed interest in buying the establishment and maintaining care for the lions. Even though the timeframe is tight and the situation remain unclear, we are doing all we can to explore this option and hold onto hope.”

Relocating the lions to an alternate site was not a “viable or ethical choice” due to their elderly status, the quantity of animals involved, and their demanding care.

The sanctuary’s updates were overwhelmed by messages from concerned citizens, requesting a reprieve for the surviving lions, while ex-employees expressed desire that the sanctuary would rethink the decision to euthanise them.

The manager noted that alongside the sympathetic words and messages of sorrow, she had also received menacing and offensive comments.

“This is deeply distressing,” she commented. “We recognize that emotions are high, but we request kindness and courtesy as we handle this heartbreaking situation.”

The landowner chose not to respond.

The ministry for primary industries clarified that the determination to euthanise the lions rested with the owners, and that it had been notified of the intention.

A high-ranking officer explained that euthanasia had to be conducted humanely, and in accordance with animal protection legislation.

“An compliance official will be present to confirm this is done appropriately,” the representative stated. “We are satisfied that the facility continues to satisfy its animal care and containment requirements.”

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

However, it quickly ran into problems. In 2009, a keeper was killed by a big cat while performing maintenance.

The sanctuary frequently ran into financial trouble and workforce challenges, and switched proprietors repeatedly. In 2014, the government agency ordered the park to cease operations until the facilities were modernized. It reopened in 2021 but went into liquidation in 2023.