BOSTON -- The chief of two Boston-area zoos is backing off controversial comments that animals would be euthanized if the Legislature did not restore $4 million in state funding.

In a letter to state legislators last week, John Linehan, president and chief executive of Zoo New England, said as many as 20 percent of the animals at the Franklin Park and Stone zoos would be put down if the facilities lost funding because it would be unlikely that new homes could be found In the current economic circumstances.

"At the time I was just trying to lay out all the possible scenarios. I think the governor spoke loud and clear on this. There will not be any euthanizing," Linehan said.

The proposed $4 million in funding cuts represent about 65 percent of the total funding from the state.

"The bottom line is that at $2.5 million (from the state), the zoo won't survive," he said.

The zoos take in about $5 million annually from other sources including admission, sales and charitable contributions.

"We have a movie being shot in the zoo. We are bringing tourists in from out of state; they are spending money. We are keeping people in Massachusetts in a time of staycations," Linehan said.

Since the comments, lawmakers said funding would be restored to the zoos. Gov. Deval Patrick has said that no animal would be killed or was ever truly threatened with euthanasia.