A zoo has been closed down after staff tried to feed a live kitten to a python.

Footage shows a hapless orange kitten sitting beside the head of a massive sleeping python inside a cage at the Masbate Mini Zoo in Masbate province, the Philippines, on June 17.

A zoo visitor, who declined to be named, said the moggie had tried to escape by climbing up a tree log inside the enclosure. However, an animal caretaker allegedly blasted it with a hose until it fell down.

The Masbate City Government and the Masbate City Veterinary Office have condemned the alleged animal cruelty as the controversial clip surfaced online.

Authorities inspected the mini zoo to speak with the owner and assess the condition of the animals on June 19.

The local government said in a statement: 'After a thorough assessment and collaboration with concerned agencies, a decision was made to permanently close the zoo and turnover all animals to the appropriate authorities.

'In response, the City Government of Masbate pledged to enforce stricter regulations and conduct regular inspections to ensure that all facilities not only the animal ones meet high care standards.

'This effort aims to prevent similar incidents and foster a culture of compassion and responsibility towards all living creatures.'

Officials said the kitten was nowhere to be seen and only a dead chicken was inside the python's cage when they arrived.