The beloved Queens Zoo has, since its opening in 1990, provided a safe haven for American animals and endangered speciesnow the zoo itself faces extinction.
Impending threats posed by the citys budget crisis could force the closing of the Queens Zoo in June, at the end of the fiscal year.
Robin Dalton, Executive Director at the zoo, has been on board since the beginningplanning exhibits, acting as curator, hiring staff and coordinating the acquisition of the animal population.
"The city is in a tragic financial situation," said Dalton. "We support the mayor and know hes in a tough spot. The state needs to come through."
Daltons sentiment is echoed by many that feel the state has not shown willingness to come across with the money rightfully due New York City.
Doug Frazier of Bayside, had four of his eight grandchildren in tow when the zoo opened Tuesday morning. "To think about closing this zoo is disgraceful. The city has carried the entire financial burden of 9-11. George Pataki was here for the photo-ops, but now he cant find his way to the bank. Maybe his home should be taken away."
Julie Herzion of Douglaston Manor brings her three children to the Queens Zoo at least three times a year. "I have been bringing my family here for seven years. My children have grown up with these animals. We are heartbroken."
Indeed the Queens Zoo is called home by many. Not just the animal residents but for the staff who handle everything from security, maintenance, administration, educational programming and veterinary care.
In addition to the over 400 animals who would have to be relocated, a staff of 60 and at least 35 volunteers would be permanently displaced from the home away from home they are devoted to.
Kimm Koocher, a veterinary technician, spoke to the Queens Courier while she held a pair of 12-week-old mountain lions rescued by the Queens Zoo, when they were threatened with being euthanized in Montana. When their mother was shot and killed the cubs were left orphanedthe zoo made a place in their mountain lion habitat, the only one of its kind.
"This is a tragedy. I love this place so," said Koocher. "Its absolutely wonderful to work here. This is not only a zooits a neighborhood place where children watch animals grow up. We all just keep hoping…"
In fact, they may be hoping against hope as the financial grip tightens around so many cultural, educational and service programs throughout the city. But the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), which operates the Queens Zoo under a 50-year contract with the city, isnt giving up so easily.
A joint statement issued by WCS and the Parks Department explains their position: The proposed reduction in City funds for the Queens and Brooklyn zoos underscores the seriousness of our fiscal crisis. We will explore every avenue to keep the zoos open to visitors, including developing new revenue initiatives and increasing awareness. The City and the Wildlife Conservation Society have had a strong and effective partnership for over a century which will continue to benefit all New Yorkers.
Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman, a long-time devotee to the zoo, with resident owls named for she and husband Mel, shares the feelings of outrage over the proposed closing. "This zoo is not a luxuryits an educational and cultural necessity. The cash cow that is Flushing Meadow Park needs to extend itself. Look at all the money that goes into Shea Stadium and the Tennis Center. How dare they close our zoo!"
In the grand scheme of the citys suffering financial status, the $3.5 million it costs to operate the zoo is proverbially, a drop in the bucket. However, according to the city, it all adds up. While the zoo produces a revenue stream from admission, education programs, cafeteria and concession sales, it covers only about 10% of its own operating costs.
Now the WCS will have to depend on Queens to save it from the fate of the budget axe. Zoogoers and enthusiasts are asked to go to their website and sign on to a petition to save the Queens Zoo. Such a campaign successfully stemmed the closing of the Central Park Zoo in the 1990s when the city was again in the midst of fiscal crisis.
Park officials say that since the word about the budget cuts that threaten the zoo has spread, attendance has jumped up to over 7,000 visitors just over the past weekend.
According to the WCS, the goal of the zoo, is to share the wild heritage of North America with visitors from around the world.
The design feature aim to seamlessly integrate the wildlife and corresponding wild lands into the park. The main pathway that snakes around the perimeter of the park leading to pockets of wild habitats blends in with the surrounding Flushing Meadows, Corona park. Stepping off of the path takes visitors to the Great Plains, the California coast and more. Improvements in these habitat areas serve to provide a more realistic home for many of the animals and to bring visitors closer to them.
The refurbishing of habitats has given the animal enclosures a more natural look and feel. New denning areas, a new waterfall and rock outcrops with more appealing formations have all be implemented in the spectacled bear enclosure. The new American bison range lets visitors see the Queens Zoos signature species roaming a reproduction of the Great Plains from various angles. The WCS has been instrumental in bringing the American bison back from the brink of extinction nearly a century ago.
Directly across from the main gates to the zoos "wild side" is the entrance to the area where people of all ages can meet domestic farm animals face to face. There, asphalt has been replaced with trees and other plantings to make the area more friendly toward children touching a goat, sheep or llama for the first time. Outside of the animal enclosures, visitors can learn the history of domestication of wild animals and plant species.
The Queens Zoo, has proven itself over the years to be one of the boroughs most marvelous resources. We at the Queens Courier urge you to do all you can to keep the zoo in Queens for many generations to come.
To learn more about how you can help to save the zoo please sign on to the WCS website at www.wcs.org .
