WELLINGTON, Nov 5 \u2014 A New Zealand wildlife park says it will be forced to euthanise seven elderly lions after running into financial difficulties.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere were no real options left. The staff and I are devastated,\u201d sanctuary operator Janette Vallance said in a statement on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The lions were aged between 18-21 years old, which is longer than they would typically live in the wild.<\/p>\n
There were no realistic options for re-homing them at other New Zealand zoos.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe memories and legacy of these incredible animals will live on in the hearts of many,\u201d the park said.<\/p>\n
The sanctuary drew minor fame in the early 2000s when it featured on a television show about celebrity big cat handler Craig \u201cthe Lion Man\u201d Busch.<\/p>\n
Busch was later accused of a string of animal rights abuses, such as keeping animals in sub-standard cages.<\/p>\n
A handler was mauled to death by a white tiger inside the park in 2009. \u2014 AFP<\/p>\n
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