Resident Feature

Home is Where the Zoo is …

If you feel as though your home has turned into a complete zoo during the COVID-19 pandemic, you are not alone. As the “head keeper” you are responsible for making sure everyone is safe and healthy, preparing meals, creating enrichment activities, teaching lessons, and daily cleaning of the “habitats.” 

Well, that is exactly what the keepers and staff are doing every day at the Oakland Zoo for more than 750 animals.

We understand that firsthand because we literally were raised in the Oakland Zoo. Our great grandfather, Henry Snow, and grandfather, Sidney Snow, started the Zoo in 1922. Deeply concerned about endangered animals, they worked to protect wildlife and to educate the public about the plight of animals.

Some of you may remember the iconic animals of the old zoo: Effie the Elephant. Our grandfather, Sidney, became her “mother.” He slept in her stall, made sure she was safe, prepared her meals, took her on walks around the park, and cared for her 24/7. There is nothing more beautiful, loving, or majestic as an elephant. Or Rosebud the Chimpanzee, who mischievously ran up a tree and would not come down until 2-year old Linda was summoned to coax her down. While those days are long gone, the new days at the zoo are truly amazing.

Henry and Sidney’s legacy has evolved beyond their wildest dreams. Zoos have evolved greatly over the years, and Oakland Zoo has become a trailblazer in conservation, animal welfare and education. We couldn’t be more proud of that. With more than 30 conservation partners around the globe, the Zoo works internationally to prevent poaching, to protect wildlife and habitats, and to advocate for conservation legislation. Last year, nearly one million people visited the Oakland Zoo each year to learn about wildlife, conservation, and what they can do to help. Further, the Zoo is recognized worldwide for its rescue and animal care practices and its expert veterinary services. (The “Behind the Scenes” interactive program (https://www.oaklandzoo.org/go-behind-the-scenes), started during the pandemic to connect the Zoo with virtual visitors, is a great way to learn about many of our animals and the unique care that we provide.)

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic is now threatening the forever homes of these animals. As a primarily admissions-driven organization, the Zoo’s closure on March 17 for the shelter-in-place mandate created an abrupt and devastating end to most of our revenues – and, consequently, to the hundreds of thousands of dollars the Zoo donates annually to conservation efforts globally. With only a few months of operating reserves, we prioritized the essential staff and services needed to maintain our high standard of care for every animal at Oakland Zoo. As a result of the drastic change in revenue and necessary curbing of expenses, at the end of March we made the heart wrenching decision to implement staff reductions, laying off our part-time and seasonal workers.

While we write this article, we don’t know when the Zoo will be allowed to reopen. Regardless, we won’t open until it is safe for our animals, staff, and visitors. In the meantime, just like your “home zoo,” the Oakland Zoo animal keepers and staff will continue to make sure everyone is safe and healthy, to prepare meals, create enrichment activities, teach lessons, and clean the habitats.

To learn more about the Oakland Zoo and all that they do, please visit www.oaklandzoo.org.

By Nancy Clark, Resident since 1986 and Linda Clark