Tough decisions for Cook Islands businesses

A Rarotonga aquarium and wildlife centre has made the difficult decison to close its doors and release most of its animals into the lagoon. 

The Discover Marine and Wildlife Eco Centre had been hoping for a bumper tourism season this, with the money helping support its wildlife rehabilitation programmes. 

But the closure of the borders has seen income drop to zero. 

Its founder and owner, Stephanie Jansen, says like many Cook Islands businesses, she's managed to stay open for the past six months in the hope of a travel bubble with New Zealand.

But with expenses mounting, she's made the call to go into hibernation.