Jul 11, 2009 5:50 pm US/Eastern
Franklin Park Zoo May Close, Kill Animals
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Okie is one of the Franklin Park Zoo's western lowland gorillas.
Zoo New England
In yet another example of just how dire the state's finances are, the
Franklin Park Zoo may be forced to close, and some of its animals may have to be euthanized.
Without more state money, the Franklin Zoo and the
Stone Zoo in Stoneham could run out of cash by October.
State lawmakers approved $6.5 million for the zoos. But Gov. Deval Patrick cut state funding by $4 million using a line-item veto. Zoo New England says that's not enough funding to keep the zoos running. It says it's operating budget is $11 million.
Lawmakers will start going over those line-item vetoes on Tuesday.
PATRICK DEFENDS CHOICE TO CUT ZOO FUNDS
The Patrick Administration says Zoo New England has doubled its state appropriations in recent years, from $3 million in 2002 to $6 million in 2008. The administration says it's cutting them back to $2.5 million, close to the zoo's prior level of funding.
"We believe they can sustain their operations with this funding. Maybe they need to think about consolidating the two zoos. Like other agencies and non profits making changes in light of the economy and the drop in state revenues, we believe they may need to scale back or look at other charges."
In a released statement Saturday, Patrick reminded that the state has a $5 billion budget gap and that he and the legislature had to make tough choices to balance the budget.
His spokesman, Kyle Sullivan, said, "The governor has asked state officials to work with the zoo to ensure the safety and well-being of all the animals. In addition, we encourage private sector and donors to assist the zoo during these challenging times."
Lt. Governor Tim Murray defends the cuts. "We only have so much money we can spend, and it's about trying to preserve the integrity of core services, including public safety, education, health, and the social safety net programs. So some of these other programs are going to be impacted, and other entities, private and the city, will have to step up and do their part as well."
ANIMALS MAY BE EUTHANIZED IF DOORS CLOSE
The zoo would lay off most of its 165 workers and attempt to find new homes for more than 1,000 animals should it close.
The animals they can't find homes for might have to be destroyed. The zoo estimates at least 20 percent of its animals won't find new homes before the zoo shuts its doors. Should the zoo close, the remaining animals would be turned over to the Commonwealth, which would then have to decide if the animals need to be killled.
Zoo officials estimate it would take at least three years to completely shut down.
PATRICK CRITICIZED FOR CUTTING ZOO FUNDS
Cyndi Roy, spokesperson for the state's Executive Office of Administration and Finance released a statement saying, "These are extremely difficult times across the state, and there have been tough cuts in every area. This is an example of an unfortunate cut that had to be made in order to preserve core services for families struggling during the economic downturn. We fully expect the zoo to do the right thing, by taking all necessary measures to ensure the animals are protected, and transferred to other zoos out of state safely, if need be."
Jennifer Nassour, Chairman of the Massachusetts Republican Party, released a statement Saturday about Patrick's line-item veto.
"Governor Patrick is so out of touch that he prioritizes funding his trivial D.C office and hack jobs for his political supporters over the well-being of a historic institution like the Franklin Park Zoo and its remarkable and beautiful animals."
She added, "Republicans offered $1 billion in reforms for FY2010 that were virtually ignored by Beacon Hill Democrats. The Governor is taking away from children and families and the situation does not have to be this way."
House Minority Leader Brad Jones released a statement Saturday saying, "It is an absolute disgrace that reflects the misplaced priorities of the Patrick administration. Governor Patrick slashed zoo funding but is vowing to restore funding for his Washington, D.C. Office. This is yet another example of poor choices made by this administration."
A spokesman for Senate President Therese Murray said, "We'll look at all the vetoes and decide what's best."
THREAT TO CLOSE ZOO SHOCKS RESIDENTS
Nancy Kavanagh of Dorchester says, "It's such a wonderful resource in this city, and they've worked so hard to bring it back. Many cities don't have this, and I think it would be a real disaster to take it away."
Her 10-year-old son Scott says when he heard the news of the possible shut down, "I was sad because this zoo is really special because there are more animals here than at a lot of zoos. The zoo is full of learning for other people and they shouldn't close it."
Kavanagh says she'll work to save the zoo. "It's a shame and I will be making my call to the Governor's office Monday morning."
Mayor Meninos says he was disturbed about the cuts. "I hope the legislature overrides the veto on that item. It's too important -- that zoo to the quality of life in the neighborhoods of Boston and other folks who like to come to our city. "
Maricely Cora has been coming here since she was little, and brought her daughter here this weekend. "They need to think about kids and the animals and what they're doing. There must be a way to cut costs elsewhere."
Her daughter Marissa looks at it from two perspectives. "I think that's kind of sad because I really like seeing the animals here. Or it could be good because if they take it back to their natural habitat that could be a good think."
Kevin Graham of Hyde Park says there has to be a way to save the zoo. "My children are here, this is how you bond. I don't want my child to experience this on HDTV. If times are that tough (Patrick) needs to work a little harder to find a way."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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