CINCINNATI, Ohio—While zoos across the country are closed to visitors during the pandemic, zoo staffs are still responsible to care for the animals. But with having to let go of part-time and seasonal employees the Cincinnati Zoo had to get creative to continue to give quality care to its animals.
- The Cincinnati Zoo had to let go of seasonal and part-time employees when the zoo was forced to close last month because of the stay at home order.
- Zoo office employees stepped up to help with the extra care for the animals
- Office employees help clean up after the animals, prepare the animals meals and clean their habitats.
The Cincinnati Zoo closed its doors last month and in doing so, has lost out on millions of dollars in revenue. And after letting go of part-time and seasonal employees, the zoo decided to get some of its office staff more directly involved in caring for the animals.
“I’ve gotten to do a lot with the animals at the zoo, but it’s mainly taking pictures, I do the social media," Angela Hatke a member of the Zoo's PR and Marketing team said. "I’ve definitely been around keepers and animals but I’ve never gotten this hands on.”
Angela Hatke never expected she would get this much interaction with the zoo animals. She’s been placed in the Cat Ambassador Program helping out with cheetahs, ocelots, a porcupine and more.
“It’s just a lot of physical work too," Hatke said. "I come home and I’m exhausted and I’m like how do you guys do this everyday it’s so hard!”
Angela typically helps clean the animals habitats as well as prepare their meals. She says so far, she’s really enjoyed getting to know the personalities of the cheetahs and helping with their walks and training. She says although she’s used to a desk job, she doesn’t mind getting dirty to ensure the animals continue to get the care they need.
“We’re just so happy to be any help we can be to the keepers because we really do rely on our volunteers and our seasonal and part time staff to help and without that, we’re just happy to pitch in and help," Hatke said.
And while the office staff is glad they can offer their time and efforts towards caring for the animals, they know it can’t sustain that way forever. They say they’re looking forward to opening when they can and are grateful for any support during this financially difficult time for the zoo.
“You could renew your membership or donate directly," Hatke said. "You could adopt a cheetah or any other animal. And the funds go to the Cincinnati Zoo to help make sure the animals get the great care that they’re receiving.”
