COVID-19 has greatly affected nearly all aspects of society. From government-instituted lockdowns, to postponing cultural events such as film releases, music festivals, fanmeets, and book signings, it seems that time has come to a standstill as everyone is encouraged to stay at home to prevent the spread of the disease.
Unfortunately, we are bringing you more sad news today: Neumünster Zoo in northern Germany is currently suffering from a sudden decline in revenue due to the lack of visitors. Combined with the disruption in food supply chains, the zoo's director Verena Kaspari has shared a last resort plan with Deutsche Presse-Agentur (DPA). As translated by CNN, Kaspari is quoted saying, "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." "If it comes to it, I'll have to euthanise animals, rather than let them starve," She shared, as translated by the BBC.
Despite the German government issuing an economic rescue package worth a staggering €750 billion (41 trillion PHP) to keep small-to-medium-sized businesses afloat, the zoo falls under the Association of Zoological Gardens (VdZ), and does not receive monetary benefits from the city of Neumünster. They have already applied for state funding, but have yet to receive it.
Facilities like zoos cannot fully shut down or run on skeletal operations to cut costs, since animals still have to be fed and temperature-specific enclosures still need to be maintained. For example, as part of their diet, the zoo's seals and penguins need to be fed large quantities of fresh fish daily, and tropical enclosures have to be heated above 20 degrees Celsius.
Neumünster Zoo houses over 700 animals, made up of more than 100 different species; It is still unknown how the zoo plans to prioritize their animals, however Vitus, a polar bear that is nearly 12 feet tall while standing, would be the last to go.
H/t: BBC, CNN, New York Times
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