German Zoos Request €10 Million from Chancellor Merkel for Animal Care

German zoos have written a letter to German Chancellor Merkel requesting 10 million euros in funding to help them care for their animals during the coronavirus crisis.

Association of Zoos (Association of) Chairman Joerg Junhold said, “Unlike other organizations, we cannot only run our own businesses; our animals must be fed and cared for.” The association has 56 members in Germany, as well as some members in Switzerland and Austria.

Junhold said that zoo costs are the same as before, but because visitors are not allowed to enter, revenue is zero, meaning some of the larger zoos are facing losses of about 5 million euros per week.

Berlin Zoo Director Andreas Knieriem said he was running out of breath under the support of Berlin’s local government, but he emphasized that the challenge is huge.

“I pray we all get through this difficult period soon,” Knieriem said.

In addition to the economic issues, the Berlin Zoo’s keepers also said that some of their animals have disappeared.

Berlin Zoo spokesperson Philine Hammest said: “Monkeys really enjoy watching visitors.” She also added, “Seals and parrots are motivated by interaction with visitors.”

She said, “It’s a bit boring for them.”