Borth Wild Animal Kingdom has closed "with immediate effect" – on a temporary basis – as it looks to rehouse its big cats.

A statement on the zoo's website said it has had "a bit of trouble" meeting its firearms requirements for this year, putting it in breach of a condition imposed on it by Ceredigion Council.

The authority served a closure notice on the attraction, which was contested in court on Tuesday, but now it will be rehousing its big cats "at least for a short time" in a compromise that avoids its total closure.

"They could have closed us down completely, but we managed to come to a compromise," the statement read.

"Unfortunately we will have to say goodbye to our cats for a short time. Our lions, lynx and serval will all have to be moved to other facilities in the next few weeks.

"It is because we look after these category-one, dangerous carnivores that we must have at least three members of staff that live on site to have fully trained firearms capabilities.

"We have five members of staff that all live on site and are undergoing training. These five staff members will replace our current off site firearms cover who cannot always guarantee the required response times needed in the event of an escape."

Borth Wild Animal Kingdom fell under the spotlight in 2017 when a Eurasian lynx disappeared from its enclosure, and was shot dead by a marksman when it was found on a caravan site.

Earlier this year, two Eurasian antelope also escaped.

The cats' destinations have yet to be finalised, but the statement added that the owners have "really good connections in the zoo community", and the cats could be taken on loan.

"We came into this profession with the aim of making a difference and we wanted to help spread the word on protecting and saving wild species," the statement continued.

"We wanted to bring Borth Zoo up to modern day standards and provide a fantastic facility for the people of Mid Wales and we are so close to doing that. We know that much of the local community are behind us, but it heartens us even more to see the zoo community giving us their support.

"They know that we all have the same ultimate aim in raising animal husbandry standards and helping wildlife and I’m confident we can find a place that will treat our cats well."

The site will reopen to the public – without its cats – once the animals have been rehomed.

"This is not the end," the statement said. "It is a new beginning.

"We thank you for your continued support and I do hope that, if you get the chance, please visit us over the winter. It’s been a really tough year and it is only your support and the incredible dedication from the keepers and staff that work here that has got us through 2020."