‘Saying goodbye will hurt us a lot’ | Inland

It concerns approximately 45 jobs. There are cuts in particular in the functions related to visits. For example, fewer or no permanent people will be placed in the catering industry in the zoo. “Saying goodbye to dear, hard-working and committed colleagues will hurt us a lot,” says director Erik Zevenbergen.

Unprecedented crisis

But according to him there was no other way. “It is clear that an unprecedented public health crisis, coupled with a severe economic downturn, is forcing us to rethink our plans. We are a non-profit foundation. The management of a zoo is basically very dependent on visitors, who are allowed to be admitted very limited for the time being. This while all costs associated with the care of our animals, plants and monuments will continue as usual. ”

Due to the tightened measures by the cabinet to prevent the spread of the corona virus, Blijdorp closed its doors on 16 March. The zoo reopened in phases on 20 May, at 40 percent of its normal capacity. In 2019, Blijdorp still attracted 1.6 million visitors.

Fans

The zoo already asked fans, ‘Blijdorperts’, for support by buying t-shirts, subscribing to subscriptions or donating money. There was also support from the national government, some 39 million for more than 50 large and smaller zoos. Zevenbergen: ,, But the Dutch zoos estimate the joint loss in 2020 at 150 million. We must therefore also hope that the provincial and local authorities will contribute to a solution. “

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