In a given year it is not unusual for me to visit the Bronx Zoo or other WCS-run parks a half dozen times or more. They are some of my favorite places to go, and I have taken thousands of photographs of the well-kept menagerie that the organization supports. Given the number of people I see at these parks during the year I know many other people enjoy them as much as I do.
That's why I was shocked to learn that New York's governor is planning to cut state funding for the zoological parks by 55% this year and eliminate state funding for them entirely next year. In terms of the actual numbers, the cut would reduce state aid from about $9 million to about $4 million, strange behavior when, according to the WCS, "The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium, alone, generated more than $289.6 million in economic activity in fiscal year 2008!" (The cut will also affect other zoological and botanical gardens, too, not just the ones run by the WCS.)
Economic times are tough all over, but entirely cutting funding to these important institutions at such short notice is terrible. The Governor is pulling the rug out from under parks where state funding is essential to keeping the living residents of the institutions alive and well. If you care about the Bronx Zoo and other gardens in New York, visit this website to find out what you can do to help.
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That's horrible!! The zoo has helped the economy some! That's not fair!!
Thanks for sending the link to support the WCS. Apparently the governor also doesn't understand that cutting funding for the zoo puts people out of work, and that hurts, not helps, the economy.
I'm all in favor of money for zoos, but what does "289.6 million in economic activity" mean? Of course every bit helps, but I see 9 million as a mere drop in the bucket compared to that, if it's income. How big an impact does 9 million really have on that number? It may be that the 9 million can be better spent elsewhere (or maybe they aren't even collecting it this year?)
Michael; I assume what they mean is that the two big WCS institutions alone are generating nearly $290 million in taxable revenue, which is a large return on the more paltry $9 million from the state (divided among all the "living museums). Yet that money is important for operating costs, particularly at smaller zoos, botanical gardens, etc. By slashing and cutting off the funding many of the small institutions may have to shut down (a dual loss of parks and employment).
There are surely better causes than zoos during a time of economic stress, but I think there is a fair case to be made to keep zoos & gardens running. As has been said, they provide employment and generate taxable income for comparatively minor investment the state puts into them. It also raises the question of what will become of animals that can no longer be kept or keepers of the parks who can't find other similar work in the state due to the cuts. Basically, cutting the funding for the parks looks like a move to soak up some quick cash that is going to do more harm than good.
Sucks, but from what I gather NY is required by law to balanced its budget this year (leading to other shenanigans like an iPod tax.) It's the price people pay for fiscal irresponsibility.
Thanks for clarifying for me. :)