Seattle zoo faces closures, layoffs

By JOSH KERNS
KIRO Radio

Listen to Josh’s report

One of Seattle’s most popular attractions is the latest feeling the economic crunch bringing everything from layoffs to exhibit closures at Woodland Park Zoo.

Attendance and donations are both down, and the zoo needs to come up with a way trim about $700,000 from the budget.

The Zoo’s David Shaefer says they know they can’t sustain the zoo unless they make changes. Those changes include eliminating at least a dozen jobs, and using volunteer buyouts for others to trim the staff.

The cuts also include shutting down the popular “Nighthouse” exhibit, which allows people to see nocturnal animals in action. While the “Nighthouse” exhibit is one of the more popular attractions, closing it will save $250,000 a year – $30,000 a year alone on natural gas for heating.

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