Fundraising campaign launched to help #SaveDublinZoo

A ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ fundraising campaign has just been launched, appealing to the Irish public for help to raise vital funds to help cover the cost of animal care, which alone totals €500,000 each month. The zoo remains closed due to Covid-19

On one hand, it would be right to ponder the questionable ethics of zoos in society, but on the other, equally important is our responsibility to the animals we have brought into captivity, and the important part the zoo plays when it comes to preserving endangered species. With this in mind and without financial support, Dublin Zoo is concerned it may have to make the difficult decision to close its gates to the public.

And although Dublin Zoo is currently closed to the public because of Covid-19 restrictions, the dedicated animal care team is still providing world-class levels of care to over 400 animals.  It costs €500,000 per month to feed, house and provide the highest level of care for the animals, but without regular income from visitor gate receipts since March, Dublin Zoo is struggling to cover its substantial running costs.

Speaking about the Save Dublin Zoo fundraising campaign and about the current financial difficulty faced by Dublin Zoo during the Covid-19 pandemic, Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr Christoph Schwitzer said it has come at a time when they desperately need support.

“We are in serious financial difficulty because of Covid-19 and are launching the Save Dublin Zoo campaign to raise much-needed funds to help care for the animals here at the Zoo. We understand this is a challenging time for everyone, so we are asking people to only give what they can – every donation counts no matter the size,” he explained.

“We have relied on our emergency cash reserves to remain open when allowed, but even then, visitor number restrictions due to social distancing have made it near impossible to generate enough revenue to just break even. Without financial support, we are facing an uncertain future and may have to close.” 

Dublin Zoo is a not-for-profit organisation which does not receive statutory funding.  Revenue streams, in the form of gate receipts and onsite sales, have all but evaporated because of Covid-19, they explained, and to date, Dublin Zoo has lost €8.2m in potential revenue.

How people can help

Donate via the Dublin Zoo website:

Make your donation today at www.DublinZoo.ie

Fundraise:

Alternatively, if you would like to arrange your own fundraising event for Dublin Zoo, please visit www.DublinZoo.ie

Adopt:

Brand new adoption packs will help support the animals at Dublin Zoo. See www.DublinZoo.ie

Share:

You can also help by spreading the word of the ‘Save Dublin Zoo’ campaign by posting your favourite memory of Dublin Zoo along with your donation or fundraiser on social media with the hashtag #SaveDublinZoo

Did you know?

Every euro received will go towards the care of Dublin Zoo animals. €25 is enough to feed one of the red pandas for a day. €50 is enough to feed a lion for one day. €75 euro will feed an elephant for a day. €100 will feed a southern white rhinoceros for a week.

Currently, over half a million has been raised thanks to the generosity of the public.

Donations can be made via www.DublinZoo.ie