(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The Pueblo Zoo presented its budget at a City Council work session on Monday, Aug. 18, where the zoo said if funding continues to decrease, the future of the zoo will be in jeopardy.
According to the Zoo, Abbie Krause, Pueblo Zoo’s Executive Director, started by stating that the Pueblo Zoo is owned by the City of Pueblo, and since 1991, the City has contracted with the Pueblo Zoological Society, a 501c3 non-profit entity, to operate the zoo on behalf of the City.
The Zoo explained that it is a non-departmental line item in the City budget, and is funded through a combination of funds–about two-thirds of the total budget is funded through zoo programs and fundraising, and one-third through City and County funding. The Zoo also pointed out how much social and economic impact it brings to the city.
“The Pueblo Zoo is not only a cherished institution in the hearts of Puebloans, it is a vital engine contributing significant economic, educational and cultural impact to Pueblo,” said Krause.
Referring to a budget proposal submitted to the Pueblo Mayor and City Council, Krause stated that the zoo is facing a deficit that, if not addressed, may lead to the closure of the zoo within 3-4 years.
“We understand that the City is facing extreme economic challenges and have tough choices to make. The Zoo is doing everything we can to cut expenses and raise revenue in order to sustain the zoo. But the reality is that if funding continues to decrease, we will exhaust our reserves in 3-4 years or less,” said Krause. “The zoo is unlikely to pass their next accreditation cycle in 2028 due to financial instability. There are a lot of wonderful things happening at the zoo that we don’t want to lose.”
The Zoo said community members who want to help can do so simply by visiting the Zoo, becoming a member, or attending an upcoming event, such as Zoo Boo or ElectriCritters. You can also donate straight to the Zoo on its website.
The Zoo also offers party options so you can have your birthday or corporate event at the zoo.
“The Pueblo Zoo has moved into being an Endangered Species and we are looking to our community to help keep us from extinction,” said Krause.
