A wildlife park has euthanized two elderly lions and says the fate of five others is uncertain after the facility closed amid financial difficulties on Nov. 2.

Staff at Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary in Whangarei, New Zealand said this week that it had no choice but to euthanize the big cats named Imvula and Sibili because they had serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating.

“There were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,” said Janette Vallance, director of the sanctuary.

The lions, including five still alive named Shikira, Cleo, Abdullah, Timba and Themba, are all between 18 and 21 years old, significantly older than the average age of wild lions.

Relocating them is not a “viable or humane option” due to their age, number and complex needs.

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