And Now the Zoos are Moaning!

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Whilst trying to keep things in perspective, an article on the BBC caught my ear.

Many businesses are struggling, many are getting some help from the Government.

Chester Zoo is struggling and may never open again, sorry, that is a shame, but in the BIG SCHEME of things it really is rather irrelevant!

[SpringDon]

Ostrich or alligator burgers are nice, just saying.

[TIGHTCHOKE]

1 minute ago, SpringDon said:

Ostrich or alligator burgers are nice, just saying.

Well that worked well in Moscow and then Berlin!

[Mice!]

It's their busy period, they are saying they've lost 5 million pounds?

Being so large they'll probably survive it's the smaller places that will suffer the most, looking at what's going on they might as well just open up, pre booked tickets only to limit numbers, tell people to wear gloves?

[Yellow Bear]

Just waiting for Packam and co to jump on the band wagon.

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Just now, Yellow Bear said:

Just waiting for Packam and co to jump on the band wagon.

Me too, have you seen he has his Stepdaughter with him on Spring-watch and he is self isolating in his partners place in the New Forest and they are doing much of the filming!

[7daysinaweek]

Have been going for years, went last year in the weekday and it was rammed. Enjoyable day and lots to see.

We went into the large shop at the end of the day near the entrance/exit  and the sheer amount of merchandise being sold in the form of fluffy animals among a host of other BUY ME! merchandise was staggering and at alarming prices. However, the prices were not a deterrent to the huge lines at several of the checkouts. I have no doubt that it must cost a large amount to run but take into account the hefty admission price, the charity donation/sponsor everything. I have noted year on year that the number of staff has reduced significantly and that virtually all the staff you do see are young adults who would be on minimum wage in the catering and merchandise areas and many of the animal trainers and husbandry staff of which many are volunteers as part of their higher education experience.

[Scully]

I have fond memories of Chester Zoo as a kid. My Dad was animal daft so we visited more than a few and I recall Chester as one of the best I’d seen. Great shame, hope it survives. 

[Mice!]

26 minutes ago, 7daysinaweek said:

Have been going for years, went last year in the weekday and it was rammed. Enjoyable day and lots to see.

Try Blackpool when things return to some sort of normality,  its smaller gets busy but we really like it.

[discobob]

37 minutes ago, 7daysinaweek said:

Have been going for years, went last year in the weekday and it was rammed. Enjoyable day and lots to see.

We went into the large shop at the end of the day near the entrance/exit  and the sheer amount of merchandise being sold in the form of fluffy animals among a host of other BUY ME! merchandise was staggering and at alarming prices. However, the prices were not a deterrent to the huge lines at several of the checkouts. I have no doubt that it must cost a large amount to run but take into account the hefty admission price, the charity donation/sponsor everything. I have noted year on year that the number of staff has reduced significantly and that virtually all the staff you do see are young adults who would be on minimum wage in the catering and merchandise areas and many of the animal trainers and husbandry staff of which many are volunteers as part of their higher education experience.

My wife's uncle retired last year and he is now there as a volunteer helper two days a week (or was pre-c) - doing tours etc.. I think it is a great way to get really cheap labour

[Lloyd90]

33 minutes ago, discobob said:

My wife's uncle retired last year and he is now there as a volunteer helper two days a week (or was pre-c) - doing tours etc.. I think it is a great way to get really cheap labour

 

Just takes away what should be a paid job from someone else. 

[Dave at kelton]

Interesting thread and whatever we think about zoos it is difficult to deny the conservation work they do, particularly with endangered species. Interesting that I had a letter from WWT this morning also pleading poverty and seeking additional donations. No doubt Caerlaverock saved the barnacle from near extinction but they don’t get my spare cash over and above annual membership.

[discobob]

17 hours ago, Lloyd90 said:

 

Just takes away what should be a paid job from someone else. 

Sorry - My sarcasm didn't come through there - I agree with you Lloyd

 

[Lloyd90]

17 hours ago, Dave at kelton said:

Interesting thread and whatever we think about zoos it is difficult to deny the conservation work they do, particularly with endangered species. Interesting that I had a letter from WWT this morning also pleading poverty and seeking additional donations. No doubt Caerlaverock saved the barnacle from near extinction but they don’t get my spare cash over and above annual membership.

Yes I was going to mention more about animal exploitation, animals being put in captivity so people can stare at them whilst buying massively overpriced beverages and cuddly toys. 
 

However no one can deny the conservation benefits and work they do with endangered species etc. It’s a bit of a catch 22. 

11 minutes ago, discobob said:

Sorry - My sarcasm didn't come through there - I agree with you Lloyd

 

No I got the sarcasm I was agreeing with you 👍🏻