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The Dublin Zoo warns that it may need to close.
He has launched an appeal to the public for help in raising funds to help it continue as it has been devastated by the impact of the Covid-19 restrictions.
The popular Phoenix Park attraction has launched the Save Dublin Zoo campaign to help cover the € 500,000 monthly cost of caring for the animals as emergency cash reserves begin to deplete.
“Without financial support, the Dublin Zoo is concerned that it may have to make the difficult decision to close its doors to the public,” he said.
Although the zoo is currently closed to the public, the animal care team continues to provide care for more than 400 animals “which will always be the highest priority.”
The monthly cost includes food, accommodation and a high level of animal care.
However, without a regular income from visitor gate receipts since March, it’s struggling to cover its substantial running costs.
“We are in serious financial difficulty due to Covid-19 and we are launching the Save Dublin Zoo campaign to raise much-needed funds to help care for the animals here at the zoo,” said Director Dr. Christoph Schwitzer.
“We understand that this is a challenging time for everyone, so we ask people to only give what they can; Every donation counts regardless of size.
“We have relied on our 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 around this time last year, the zoo was in the middle of its annual Wild Lights event and making preparations for the busy Christmas season.
“Instead we find ourselves fighting for our future and asking the people of Ireland to respond to our call and donate if possible,” he said.
“We are so grateful 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 are asking those who can help us to give what they can and help raise awareness of the Save Dublin Zoo campaign.”
He has asked people to help by organizing fundraisers, “adopting” an animal, or by donating directly to DublinZoo.ie.
Every euro received will go towards caring for the animals, where € 25 is enough to feed one of the red pandas for a day, € 50 for a lion, € 75 an elephant and € 100 to feed a southern white rhino for one week. .
Zoo Operations Manager Gerry Creighton said: “Our situation is very dire.
“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.”
Irish independent
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