Woodland Park Zoo Launches Animal Care Relief Fund

SEATTLE, WA — Seattle's Woodland Park Zoo is asking for financial help as a temporary closure, originally slated to last until April 1, has now been extended indefinitely.

The zoo first closed to the public on March 12, following Gov. Jay Inslee's original order prohibiting large public gatherings in the state's three largest counties, amid a growing outbreak of the new coronavirus. Since then, the governor's social distancing mandates have expanded statewide, and now include a stay-at-home order limiting all non-essential activities and requiring most businesses to close.

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Woodland Park, a registered non-profit, estimates the zoo will lose close to $2 million in revenue by the end of March, with another $2.2 million in losses projected by the end of April.

While the gates are closed to the public, nearly 1,000 animals still need food and care, which requires about 100 staff members to rotate shifts working on zoo grounds. Employees who are not critical to zoo operations are working remotely or receiving paid leave throughout the closure.

The zoo employs approximately 300 people full-time, along with additional seasonal or temporary positions.

"Our talented and dedicated team is working hard every day for the continued wellbeing of all of our animals," said Alejandro Grajal, the zoo's CEO. "The very difficult reality is that our resources are not infinite, and we need your support now more than ever. We know that these are challenging times for everyone. We are humbled by the generosity of those who are contributing what they can to support what we do best — caring for animals."

You can donate to the zoo's relief fund here.

Life under quarantine at Woodland Park Zoo

Though the circumstances are unwelcome, a prolonged absence of onlookers has allowed animal handlers some unique opportunities. To keep their environment as natural as possible, the zoo typically limits animal "enrichment activities" to off-hours, keeping their habitats clear of playthings.

"Right now, they get to play with all their toys in these big, beautiful enclosures," said Farrah Paul, the zoo's Director of Public Relations.

Another benefit is the chance to get some animals out of their enclosures and give them a chance to explore the zoo in a way that would not normally be possible.

On Tuesday, a pair of animal handlers took two owls, Coba, 27, and Buddy, 7, on a field trip to meet the flamingos for the first time, followed by quick a meet-and-greet with some penguins.

"These guys are used to being in front of people for programs, but a lot of times those programs are in a controlled setting," said Rachel Salant, the animal care manager. "If we were just to come out on zoo grounds like this and walk them around, it would attract a lot of attention, and chances are guests would — understandably — want to surround them. So this, without guests on grounds, gives us an opportunity to truly bring them out and let them explore and see places, without the possible scariness of people surrounding them."

Any timeline for the zoo's reopening will depend on input from state and local officials, in conjunction with public health guidance.

"We want to do what's best for our community and reopen when it's healthy and safe for our guests, employees and animals," Paul said.

The governor's stay-at-home order is set to expire April 8, but Inslee said Thursday his mandate could be extended, if needed, to significantly slow the virus's spread.