KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Zoo Knoxville closed to visitors mid-March among the COVID-19 outbreak.
However, animals still need to be fed.
Since closing, the zoo had to lay off employees and cut salaries to try to make ends meet in this unexpected time. As their website states, over 86% of their income comes from paying members and guests.
The head of the zoo, Lisa New, said she is grateful that funding has poured in from both public and private sources.
“Unlike many businesses that have to shut down, our expenses still incurred. We still have 700 animals here. We still have 50 keepers here," New said.
The zoo loses an average of $22,000 every day that it is closed.
For now though, the zoo has gained enough funding to make it through the end of June.
Knoxville City Council approved $700,000 for the zoo, divided into monthly installments, this week.
Knox County already approved a $500,000 loan for the zoo.
Most recently, the Emergency Animal Relief fund, which is compiled of individuals who just love the zoo, gathered $160,000 to be sure the animals are fed and cared for.
“It’s just been incredible, the support and the love that we’ve got. People truly treasure the zoo. It means a lot," New said.
Zoo Knoxville has also applied for a small business loan and applied for the federal payroll protection program.
If you would like to support the zoo or just want some more information on the zoo, visit zoo-knoxville.org.