Economic Downturn Hits NY Zoos and Aquariums
Bronx Zoo, New York Aquarium and Many Small Nature Centers Affected
The Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquarium Program (ZBGA), funded by the State of New York may face a budget cut from $9 million to $4 million in 2009. The program, which aids facilities that house living plants and animals, would be completely eliminated in 2010 under this plan. The Coalition of Living Museums is hoping for a less drastic reduction in funding.
The Coalition of Living Museums
Seventy-six zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and other facilities that have plants and animals in their care make up the Coalition of Living Museums. From the historic Bronx Zoo to the Waterman Conservation Education Center in Apalachin, each of these museums provides the public with exposure to and education about the natural world, including wildlife and native plants. And each relies on ZBGA funding for part of their operating costs, especially as other sources of funding are becoming limited.
Multiple Sources of Income Affected by Economic Downturn
Animal education facilities like the Bronx Zoo don’t just rely on money from the state budget. In addition to entrance or program fees and purchases made by visitors, funds to operate come from charitable donations. But those who donate have less to give during these difficult economic times.
Corporate philanthropy budgets are much smaller as businesses themselves have had to respond to the economic downturn. Individuals who regularly donate to charity are also contributing less to zoos and aquariums as their investments lose value and they find themselves with reduced disposable income.
Effects of Budget Cuts on the Animals
All over the world, zoos and aquariums are facing similar problems. In Germany, the Berlin Zoo does not have the funds to expand their facilities so the polar bear, Knut, who drew so much attention as a cub two years ago, will likely go to another zoo.
While none of the wildlife education facilities in New York’s Coalition of Living Museums will allow animals to be neglected or to go hungry, any staffing cuts are likely to have an effect on the care of those animals. Those working directly with wild animals have specialized skills and knowledge of the species in their care. Losing those skilled workers is not in the best interest of the animals.
Coalition of Living Museums Hopes to Reverse Decision
The Coalition is asking people to contact the governor of New York State not to cut the ZBGA budget so deeply. To that end they have produced a video using a Bronx Zoo ‘employee’ animal to draw attention to the issue. It is hoped that some of the twelve million annual visitors to Coalition of Living Museum animal education facilities will write to the governor in support of their cause.
As the economic downturn shows no signs of ending in the near future, zoos and aquariums around the world will need to look at creative ways to ensure their animals continue to have the best of care. Many are closing outdated exhibits and focusing on the species they are best equipped to display. In the case of New York’s Coalition of Living Museums, a smaller budget cut from the state may help buy the time they need to most effectively downsize without compromising animal welfare.
Zoo Animals Affected by Economic Downturn
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