The Birmingham Zoo is like a lot of tourism entities — it is hemorrhaging money. The zoo, a non-profit organization, is home to approximately 700 animals, all of whom need to eat — at an average cost of $1,000 daily. It costs, on average, $30,000 a day to operate and provide vital animal care.
Approximately 600,000 people visit the zoo annually and sales from attendance adds millions to the support of the organization.
“Like other non-profits, the coronavirus is having a major impact on the zoo’s revenue and the way we operate,” said Chris Pfefferkorn, president and CEO of the zoo. “Even though the zoo is temporarily closed, our greatest priority is to continue providing exceptional care for our animals seven days a week, no matter the circumstance.”
An emergency animal fund has been started to aid the zoo. Those interested in donating can do so at birminghamzoo.com/donate. In addition to donations, there are a number of ways people can support the zoo. Those include:
- When shopping on Amazon, choose Birmingham Zoo Inc. as your charitable organization and 0.5 percent of the purchase price of eligible products will be donated to the zoo.
- Visit PayPal Giving Fund, where 100 percent of your donation will be sent to the zoo.
- On May 5, Giving Tuesday, visit birminghamzoo.com/donate to show your support.
- Renew your current zoo membership, or become a member, by visiting birminghamzoo.com/memberships.
- Visit birminghamzoo.com/plannedgiving to ensure a future for the zoo by providing needed funds to maintain existing operations.
