A New Zealand wildlife park says it will be forced to euthanize seven elderly lions after running into financial difficulties.

The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern city of Whangarei said it was closing down and had no choice but to euthanize the big cats.

"There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated," sanctuary operator Janette Vallance said in a statement on Tuesday.

The lions are aged between 18-21 years old, which is longer than they would typically live in the wild.

There were no realistic options for re-homing them at other New Zealand zoos.

"The memories and legacy of these incredible animals will live on in the hearts of many," the park said.

The park notes on its website that taking care of the lions is expensive.

"Our extraordinary majestic big

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