Whangarei's famous lion park's last seven elderly big cats - are being euthanised this week

Kamo Wildlife Sanctuary operator, Janette Vallance , says owners Bolton Equities have made the call.

The remaining lions are between 18-and-21 years old, and can't be released because they don't have the hunting and social skills to survive in the wild.

Rehoming to a zoo, sanctuary or a registered welfare centre is also unlikely - because of the numbers involved.

The 32.5 hectare property was put on the market in August, and hasn't yet attracted a buyer.