Animals and money: Bronx Zoo lays off hundreds of 'unpopular' animals
Filed under: Budgets, Recession
The Bronx Zoo, the largest city zoo in the country, is facing $15 million in budget cuts, and so hundreds of animals are being evicted.
It's a real loss. The 114-year-old zoo, run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, is getting rid of animals based partly on which ones are popular with its 2.1 million annual visitors. That means four exhibits and a whole slew of rare animals are on the chopping block (only figuratively -- don't worry). Unique creatures like the Arabian oryx and blesbok, two types of antelope, must go. In fact, the zoo's whole Rare Animal Range will soon go, as will foxes, deer, and the guanaco, a relation of the llama. More common animals like elephants and giraffes can stay because kids like them.
And thus, by catering to popularity, a zoo gets dumbed down, hampering its educational mandate.
One exhibit due to close is a particular favorite of mine: The World of Darkness, an enclosed pavilion where legions of nocturnal animals such as bush babies, bats, night monkeys, and lemurs can be viewed in low light. I have always considered the stars of the Bronx Zoo to be the naked mole rats, who troop blindly though tubing like ants in an ant farm. They're homeless now, too. Considering that a huge percentage of the world's animals is most active at night, it's another big blow to zoological education.
The zoo is planning to add hyenas and aardvarks (and, of course, a new kids' area), but the net loss is depressing. The 265-acre zoo can't just release the newly homeless critters into the city -- the alligators in New York City's sewers would devour them whole -- so they're being shipped to other zoos. Hopefully they can afford them.
Like many businesses around the world, the Bronx Zoo is finding itself in a pickle: It has to trim features because it's not drawing enough money (corporate donations are way down), but the loss of those features can only decrease its value, leading to fewer visitors yet.
Without wise stewardship, it's likely to be the beginning of a death spiral. Or even the middle of one: In January, the cost-cutting zoo shut down its popular Skyfari ride, one of those classic bucket gondolas that so many American amusement parks used to have. It was the zoo's third-most popular attraction, but it cost too much to maintain. Now, you can count the number of American parks with bucket rides on one hand (Busch Gardens in Tampa is one. Both of Disney's are gone.)
Darwin theorized about the survival of the fittest in the wild. With zoos favoring the popular creatures, it's a danger inside our animal sanctuaries, too.
And thus, by catering to popularity, a zoo gets dumbed down, hampering its educational mandate.
One exhibit due to close is a particular favorite of mine: The World of Darkness, an enclosed pavilion where legions of nocturnal animals such as bush babies, bats, night monkeys, and lemurs can be viewed in low light. I have always considered the stars of the Bronx Zoo to be the naked mole rats, who troop blindly though tubing like ants in an ant farm. They're homeless now, too. Considering that a huge percentage of the world's animals is most active at night, it's another big blow to zoological education.
The zoo is planning to add hyenas and aardvarks (and, of course, a new kids' area), but the net loss is depressing. The 265-acre zoo can't just release the newly homeless critters into the city -- the alligators in New York City's sewers would devour them whole -- so they're being shipped to other zoos. Hopefully they can afford them.
Like many businesses around the world, the Bronx Zoo is finding itself in a pickle: It has to trim features because it's not drawing enough money (corporate donations are way down), but the loss of those features can only decrease its value, leading to fewer visitors yet.
Without wise stewardship, it's likely to be the beginning of a death spiral. Or even the middle of one: In January, the cost-cutting zoo shut down its popular Skyfari ride, one of those classic bucket gondolas that so many American amusement parks used to have. It was the zoo's third-most popular attraction, but it cost too much to maintain. Now, you can count the number of American parks with bucket rides on one hand (Busch Gardens in Tampa is one. Both of Disney's are gone.)
Darwin theorized about the survival of the fittest in the wild. With zoos favoring the popular creatures, it's a danger inside our animal sanctuaries, too.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
4-26-2009 @ 7:56PM
cms said...
San Diego Zoo has a bucket ride.
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4-27-2009 @ 4:46PM
Mike said...
Pbsts! Bronx Zoo has a tram!
4-26-2009 @ 8:21PM
xxrocknizzxx said...
Well, I hope they don't dumb it down too much. Me and my family love going there. My 3 year old loves animals and she love learning about different ones.
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4-26-2009 @ 11:50PM
Adam said...
Only two comments and this story has been up since 4PM. My god, does anybody have any sense of sentiment anymore. I swear, what a disgrace! Think about it people! Hundreds of Animals! If zoos do not accept these animals they may have to go back into the wild and will either overproduce or become extinct. Also, I think I remember that World of Darkness exhibit. if I recall it was quite the exciting experience. Not to mention no more Skyfari ride? Will there be any amusement parks or zoos for me to take my little niece or nephew to when they get older. I'm starting to doubt it and it's probably not just because of the terrible economy.
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4-27-2009 @ 8:43AM
AmyV said...
My son ALWAYS asks to go to the World of Darkness when we go to the Bronx Zoo (we have a membership, so we go relatively often). He's going to be crushed.
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4-27-2009 @ 2:15PM
Sheila said...
The sad thing. when they get rid of 1/2 the park. now no one will want to go there sonow it will be worse. they should try to get rid of all the animals get them good homes .Bush gardens. who knows whats going to happen to the them parks But at least the animals will have a chance. email other zoos. then just close the zoo. dont want to see that happen.ITS NOT IN THE BEST LOCATION!! . just get the animals a great home. turn them back into the wild they will just die anyway.
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4-27-2009 @ 6:18PM
Leslieann said...
Sheila I totally agree with you! It's all about finding the animals the best homes. Putting them back in the wild isn't the best thing to do because they don't know how to fend for themselves because they have been in the zoo most of their life or for some animals all of their life! But getting them to Bush Gardens is a wonderful idea. I have never been to the Bronx zoo but i have been to Bush and let me tell you if you haven't been there you should go! They have tons of animals and rides too!! It's an animal paradise if the animals went there I'm completely sure they would be happy!!!
From, Leslie Anne
(I am only eleven but trust me I adore animals!!)
4-27-2009 @ 2:21PM
Cathy said...
Can you please tell me why our Goverment is bailing out greedy men who make millions of dollars but cannot give one of the best zoos in the world money to keep all the animals???? I simply cannot understand why we continue to hurt the innocence and feed the greed!!!!!!
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4-27-2009 @ 2:27PM
Gary said...
who cares about "the bronx"? the animals will be better off out of there.
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4-28-2009 @ 1:56PM
Kim said...
Shows you know zilch about The Bronx and zoos in general, Gary.
4-28-2009 @ 6:43PM
Joe Sullivan said...
It's a real shame that most of these big game animals are going to be sold to what is called a canned hunting preserve. That is where very unsportsman like hunters shoot a trophy animal in an inclosed area where the animal has no chance!! It's a heck of alot cheaper and easier than going into the wild and stalking the animal in its own habitat.Most of these animals see man as a friend and are not afraid of him. Anything that makes ya happy i guess.I dont know how the bronx zoo can be involved in this but a bucks a buck, OR they get sold to those side of the road petting zoos that usualy dont care to much for the animals welfare. either way its cruel.
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4-27-2009 @ 2:53PM
leah said...
I completely agree we should find a way to have fund raisers instead of just getting rid of the animals you would think with all the people in NY you could raise a little capital just say it is a liberal arts interest what ever it takes they need to work harder. Save the animals and we wil save the earth and ourselves
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4-27-2009 @ 2:56PM
philldbskt said...
Instead of going to the zoo, continue on your journey directly to the Bronx. There you will see many nocturnal animals and plenty of strange creatures.
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4-27-2009 @ 3:01PM
Matt said...
Its really sad that they are going to close the world of Darkness and the Sky fari. Growing up in Yonkers NY i can remember many trips to the Bronx Zoo riding the Sky Fari going to see all the rare animals the Elephants and of course the sea lions. I can't believe they would kick out other animals because they are not popular. Its the rareiest gems are really kool to look at. Its a shame a real shame
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4-27-2009 @ 3:02PM
Just Peachy said...
Those poor animals are all going to be sento an enclosed hunting farm
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4-27-2009 @ 3:02PM
Shannon said...
Wait... it doesnt say where the animals are going to go???? What the heck does this all mean for them?
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4-27-2009 @ 3:06PM
Amanda said...
STOP DUMBING DOWN AMERICA!!!!!! Zoos are much better with a wider variety of animals, not just the ones that everybody "knows." If the other rarer animals aren't there, then nobody will be able to learn about them or see them close-up, and that will be even sadder! I'd rather see the bats, the foxes, the lemurs, and the antelope than elephants-I've always been more drawn to the unusual and unique. If they get rid of these exhibits, it will definitely not be a good thing! Zoos are there not only to teach people about the animals of the world, but also to help protect them! If people don't get to learn about as many different species as possible, how will they care?
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4-27-2009 @ 3:10PM
loki said...
Wait what did I just read they're getting rid of exotics because they need 15 million dollars? Once they do that they will add Hyennas, aardvarks, and a new kids area??? Wait doesn't that take money and more money just to renovate the new areas???? Thats what I call poor manigment. How do they decide what is more popular?? maybe on up keep cost? Look if they had any intellegence in their manigment department they would just go to the gov and ask for a BAILOUT or go to AIG and ask for a bonus I'm sure they have 15 mill to throw away. Seriously though if it where up to me instead of dropping those creatures I would figure out ways to make it fun for visitors.
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4-27-2009 @ 3:16PM
Angiebaby said...
Zoos have priced themselves out of business. Used to be when you went to the zoo, food was affordable, the petting zoo was included in the entrance fee, and there were zoo themed kiddie rides in one section that were very reasonable. Strollers were available on a first come, first served basis.
Now, it costs a pretty penny to get into the zoo, the petting zoo costs extra, the food at the petting zoo costs extra, you can't even buy the whole family a hot dog & soda, the gondola gets expensive when you have to pay for everyone including toddlers. Gone are the picnic benches and you have to rent strollers. And people let their spoiled ass kids make more of a scene than the wild animals!
Too bad only those with a fairly decent income can afford to go to the zoo and be nickeled and dimed to death. Or more like dollars and no change back to death.
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4-27-2009 @ 3:19PM
D Brown said...
Gee, it's absolutely amazing.
We seem to have the funds for other negativity, but for anything educational and positive, forget it.
I'll never understand it. Never
The children need the zoos to teach them about life, etc. Yet, we don't seem to understand that necessity.
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