By Craig Fox | Watertown Daily Times (TNS)
Watertown — City officials were not surprised that operators of the zoo in Thompson Park will close and lay off three-quarters of its staff.
The Thompson Park Conservancy, which operates Zoo New York, announced Friday morning that the zoo will close and 15 employees will be laid off as the organization faces continued financial troubles. The conservancy made the decision during a board meeting on Thursday night.
The closing will mean the temporary layoffs of five full-time, six part-time and four seasonal employees.
Only five zoo keepers, executive director Lawrence J. Sorel and a maintenance employee will continue to work as the Thompson Park Conservancy determines the zoo’s future.
“It’s the inevitable coming after years of challenges,” Sorel said.
Mayoral hopefuls and City Councilwomen Lisa A. Ruggiero and Sarah V. Compo Pierce said that they are not surprised by the zoo’s decision.
They both said that they knew the zoo has been going through rough financial times for years and the conservancy has been asking for a change in its business model to keep it open.
The two councilwomen pointed out the need for city and Jefferson County officials to discuss the situation with the conservancy to figure out how to move forward.
“The pause might be a good thing,” Compo Pierce said, adding that it would give those partners a chance to talk about the situation.
Ruggiero believes that the conservancy will be asking for more financial support from the city, but she needs to see financial numbers and attendance figures.
Zoo board chair Mark D. Irwin will look at the zoo’s financial feasibility and cash flow before the conservancy decides whether the zoo can reopen.
The winter is a slow season for the zoo when it typically cuts hours to only on weekends.
“The Zoo will be cutting back operations and maintaining only essential employees focused on animal care and basic facility maintenance as it heads into the winter…
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