(BSS/AFP) - A New Zealand wildlife park says it will be forced to euthanise 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 euthanise 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 were 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 sanctuary drew minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about celebrity big cat handler Craig "the Lion Man" Busch.

Busch was later accused of a string of animal rights abuses, such as keeping animals in sub-standard cages.

A handler was mauled to death by a white tiger inside the park in 2009.