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Dublin Zoo faces an existential threat and could be forced to close its doors forever if it can’t find a way to plug a nearly € 10 million hole in its finances caused by Covid-19.
Hungry for millions of euros of income over the past eight months, one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions continues to spend € 500,000 on feeding and caring for the animals in its care.
On Wednesday morning, it launched a massive fundraising program, which it hopes will keep its doors open and allow it to celebrate its 200th anniversary 10 years from now.
With his Save Dublin Zoo fundraising campaign, he is asking for help from the Irish public, as financial losses caused by current Covid-19 restrictions continue to mount.
Dublin Zoo’s animal care team continues to provide care for more than 400 animals while it is closed. Photograph: Bryan O Brien / The Irish Times
He warned that his emergency cash reserves, built up over a decade of growth, are beginning to run out and, without support, he may have to make the difficult decision to close his doors to the public.
The zoo remains closed due to Covid-19 restrictions, but its dedicated animal care team still provides care for more than 400 animals.
The zoo said it costs € 500,000 a month to feed, house and care for the animals, but without regular income from visitor gate receipts since March, it cannot make ends meet.
“We are struggling financially and without support, concerned that we do not have enough reserves to get through the winter and we may have to close to the public. That is why we are asking for help from the Irish public, ”said newly appointed Dublin Zoo Director Dr Christoph Schwitzer.
“In normal times, Dublin Zoo costs around a million a month to run; We have tried to make possible cost savings during the pandemic and we have succeeded, but there are limits. You cannot leave an elephant without permission, you cannot turn off a zoo at night when you go home, ”he told RTE’s Morning Ireland program.
“Animals need and deserve care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We provide the highest possible standards of animal care and welfare, so caring for animals only costs us half a million a month and these are very high fixed costs and without income from visits we have difficulty meeting them.
Dublin Zoo celebrated its first penguin chick birth since 2013 in March.
“We have not received any legal funding from the government in the last 15 years, we are very proud to be able to support ourselves. thanks to the support of our visitors. It is a struggle, everything, every donation helps, no matter how small.
He noted that at this time of year the zoo is usually in the midst of Wild Lights and making preparations for a busy Christmas period. “Instead we find ourselves fighting for our future and asking the people of Ireland to respond to our call and donate if possible.”
Mr. Schwitzer expressed his gratitude for the “messages of support from our devoted visitors and annual pass holders who have shown an outpouring of love and compassion from the beginning. Now we ask those who can help us to give what they can and help raise awareness about the Save Dublin Zoo campaign. “
The zoo is a non-profit organization and does not receive funding from the state. Revenue streams, in the form of door receipts and on-site sales, have almost completely evaporated due to Covid-19 and, to date, the Dublin Zoo has lost € 8.2 million in potential revenue.
The #SaveDublinZoo fundraising campaign is appealing to the Irish public for help, as financial losses caused by current Covid-19 restrictions continue to mount. File Photography: James Forde / The Irish Times
“Although we are closed to the public and financial losses continue to mount, our passion, love and dedication to the animals in our care is as strong as ever,” said Gerry Creighton, Dublin Zoo operations manager.
“Our incredible animal care team has continued to provide a world-class standard of care in difficult operating conditions and that will never change. We have tried to stay positive by providing a safe and friendly environment for the people of Ireland during this terrible pandemic.
“However, our situation is very serious. For generations, we have been a place where families and friends come together to connect with nature, learn about animals, and be inspired together. We can no longer support ourselves with the current restrictions and time is running out.
People are asked to donate in www.DublinZoo.ieor to organize a fundraising event. Adoption packages are also on sale that will help keep the animals at the zoo. People are also asked to spread the word about the “Save Dublin Zoo” campaign by posting their favorite Dublin Zoo souvenir along with a donation or fundraiser on social media using the hashtag #SaveDublinZoo.
All the money will go towards caring for the animals at Dublin Zoo. € 25 is enough to feed one of the red pandas for a day. € 50 is enough to feed a lion for a day. 75 euros to feed an elephant for one day. € 100 will feed a southern white rhino for a week.
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