DALLAS (KRLD 1080)- The Dallas Zoo says it has to implement partial and full furloughs and this impacts around 25 percent of the zoo's more than 400 employees. The zoo says senior staff members will face reduced compensation by up to 15 percent. The zoo is also planning to close the Adventure Safari Monorail and the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park.
“We are all facing the harsh reality that the fallout of this global pandemic will be lasting and far reaching. At the onset of this pandemic, our entire organization pulled together quickly and enacted many measures that were beneficial. However, we are now faced with a very dim financial forecast and are at the point where we have to be fiscally responsible to protect the long-term future of the Zoo with these very difficult decisions,” said Gregg Hudson, president and CEO of Dallas Zoo.
“The conversations we are having right now are some of the most difficult I’ve experienced as a leader,” said Hudson. “Our team members are among the most dedicated professionals with whom I’ve had the pleasure of working, and I want to personally thank each of them for their contributions to our mission of Engaging People & Saving Wildlife.”
On March 13th, the Dallas Zoo closed to the public for three months. The Zoo estimates it sustained more than $5 million in lost revenue since early March.