Zoo Closes Due To Lack Of Funds

Gulf Breeze Closing Today may have been the last day of operation for Zoo Northwest Florida.
by Chad Petri
Published: Sun, August 16, 2009 - 9:49 pm CST Last Updated: Sun, August 16, 2009 - 9:53 pm CST
The Zoo of Northwest Florida is now closed. Financial woes forced the zoo to lock up the gates after close of business today, 8/16/2009. Zoo officials are hoping Santa Rosa or Escambia County commissioners will step forward with some desperately needed funding this week. If that happens, the zoo could reopen by Friday. A spokesman says this has been a bittersweet time for patrons and employees.

“The harsh reality is that as of 5 o’clock today we have two entire staffs that may be without a job,” says Christi Maeda with Zoo Northwest Florida. More than 20 people could lose their jobs if the funding isn't found. The zoo has struggled financially since hurricanes Ivan and Dennis hit in 2004 and 2005.
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