The coronavirus lockdowns are not only affecting people but also businesses around the globe. With no revenue and salaries + overheads to pay (governments have urged owners to refrain from laying off employees), they are struggling financially.
The same is the case with Neumünster Zoo in northern Germany which has devised an emergency plan that reflects the bleakness of the current situation.
According to BBC, zoo director Verena Kaspari says they are not covered by the government’s relief packages and are finding it hard to source feed for the animals such as fishes for the penguins and seals.
CNN quoted her saying,
“We’re an association and don’t get any city money, and all the state money we’ve applied for so far hasn’t arrived yet.”
“If — and this is really the worst, worst case of all — if I no longer have any money to buy feed, or if it should happen that my feed supplier is no longer able to supply due to new restrictions, then I would slaughter animals to feed other animals.”
New York Post quoted her adding,
“We’ve listed the animals we’ll have to slaughter first. If it comes to it, I’ll have to euthanize animals, rather than let them starve.”
Due to a lack of visitors, the zoo is sustaining itself with the help of donations. The staff anticipates a loss of $200,000 (Rs. 1.5 crores) this spring if the lockdowns continue. We hope that the zoo is able to raise funds and this worst-case scenario doesn’t come to pass.