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The Dublin Zoo faces an existential threat and could be forced to close its doors forever if it doesn’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 euros a month on feeding and caring for the animals in its care.
On Wednesday, 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.
The “Save Dublin Zoo” fundraising campaign is asking for help from the Irish public, as financial losses caused by current Covid-19 restrictions continue to mount.
He warned that his emergency cash reserves, built up over a decade of growth, are beginning to deplete 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 receipts since March, it cannot make ends meet.
“We are in serious financial difficulty due to Covid-19,” said the newly installed director of the Dublin Zoo, Dr. Christoph Schwitzer. “We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, so we ask people to only give what they can; every donation counts regardless of size.”
Dublin Zoo’s animal care team continues to provide care for over 400 animals while it is closed. Photograph: Bryan O Brien / The Irish Times
He said the zoo had used its emergency cash reserves to stay open when allowed, “but even then, restrictions on the number of visitors due to social distancing have made it almost impossible to generate enough income to cover expenses. Without financial support, we face an uncertain future and we may have to close. “
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 of 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 the Dublin Zoo has lost € 8.2 million in potential revenue to date.
“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.
Dublin Zoo celebrated its first penguin chick birth since 2013 in March.
People are asked to donate at DublinZoo.ie or 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 will feed an elephant for one day and € 100 will feed a southern white rhino for a week.
Tiger at the Dublin Zoo in April this year. Photograph: Bryan O’Brien / The Irish Times
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