New Zealand zoos and aquariums welcome government relief for animal conservation and care

The Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA) has welcomed the announcement from New Zealand Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage of almost $15 million in government support to zoos, wildlife parks, sanctuaries and aquariums due to the impacts of the COVID-19 response.

The assistance comes as a great relief to ZAA-accredited wildlife organisations around New Zealand, who have been maintaining the high costs of animal care despite a long period of no visitor admission income and who face continued uncertainty around international tourism.

Welcoming the funding ZAA Executive Director, Nicola Craddock stated “the support announced by the Government today shows recognition of the importance of our zoos and aquariums, as businesses that contribute to conservation and our communities, and that maintaining our New Zealand standards for animal welfare, even during difficult times, is essential.”

Funds from the support package will go towards the variety of costs associated with continuing vital conservation programmes and caring for zoo and aquarium wildlife, many of which are threatened species.

ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums care for many animals that have specific and expensive requirements for their care.

Craddock added “12 kiwi cost around $20,000 a year to feed, routine veterinary costs for a zoo can reach over $50,000 a year and keeping species in temperature-controlled environments for their welfare can mount up to around $200,000 in electricity bills.

“That’s just a fraction of the costs of caring for the many hundreds of species that ZAA-accredited zoos and aquariums in New Zealand hold. With these high fixed costs for animal care and welfare, this support will be a game-changer for helping ZAA’s zoo and aquarium members through this challenging time.”

This new support package will help to see zoos and aquariums through to play their part in New Zealand’s recovery, with Craddock noting “the support will assist ZAA-accredited zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks to continue their crucial role in conservation and protecting New Zealand’s unique biodiversity.”

Beyond that, Craddock highlights the role zoos and aquariums play in supporting schools with remote education and continue to play a vital role in the mental wellbeing of New Zealand communities at a time when it is most certainly needed.

She concludes “people need public green spaces where they can reconnect with nature and keep their children active and engaged in an outdoors venue with an abundance of space.

“Thanks to today’s announcement, we are more optimistic for zoos and aquariums to weather the storm, continue a high level of care for their animals and be there for our communities into the future.”

As a peak body, ZAA represents the collective voice of the zoos, aquariums, sanctuaries and wildlife parks across, New Zealand, Australia and Papua New Guinea that operate to the highest standards.

Image: Auckland Zoo.