A Crisis for Zoos Everywhere
It’s not just Wildwood that’s experiencing the financial pinch of having to care for animals without visitors. Zoos, aquariums, and conservation parks around the world have experienced devastating financial setbacks over the past year. These institutions balance the massive cost of caring for animals with admission fees, donations and memberships, all of which were affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Oakland Zoo in California laid off 100 employees last summer as visitor attendance—which accounts for 90% of the zoo’s revenue—plummeted. The Chester Zoo in the UK said last month it had suffered a nearly $14-million loss since the pandemic began and was forced to put many of its conservation projects on hold.
