The Elmwood Park Zoo in Norristown, Pa. needs your help.
The zoo has thrilled children and adults alike for decades and now they are turning to the community for help paying the bills.
Zoo spokesperson Bill Konstant shared the woes the zoo is facing:
We were constrained in making deeper cuts because we have animals whose needs and daily care are paramount and our No. 1 priority.
Despite these measures, the zoo was forced to borrow from its reserve in order to make ends meets. It became clear last summer that the zoo’s reserves would be depleted by the end of the year, jeopardizing our survival through the winter.
And thanks to donations the zoo is able to remain open for now but the future remains uncertain.
“People are giving back to the zoo in so many ways," said zoo party coordinator Danielle Leach. "They support us by having their birthday parties at the zoo, they donate money, they come on the weekends to visit and they donate sheets, blankets, fruits and vegetables for the animals.”
Salaries and donations have decreased by 10 percent over the past two years, Konstant said.
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In turn the zoo was forced to reduce staff, reduce hours during the off-season and cut wages and retirement benefits.
The good news is that you can help. Go visit the zoo (they're open on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or click here to make a donation.
