A New Zealand wildlife park that said it was being forced to euthanize seven elderly lions because of financial difficulties has put down two of the big cats.

The Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary said on Tuesday that it had no choice but to euthanize the animals. Rehoming the big cats was not a "viable or humane option" because of their "age, number and complex needs," the sanctuary said in an updated statement on Thursday. The lions are between the ages of 18 and 21, which is longer than they would have lived in the wild.

The park said two lions, named Imvula and Sibili, were put down on Wednesday. Both animals had "serious health conditions that were not treatable and were deteriorating," the sanctuary said, and the decision to euthanize them was "made with deep care and consideration."

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