Aquarium hurting, but not cutting back on animal care
The closure of the Vancouver Aquarium six weeks ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a bit more complicated than that of most businesses: There were still 70,000 creatures — otters, sea lions, seals, jelly fish, birds, bats and insects — to be fed and cared for.
“You can’t just close the doors and walk away,” said chief operating officer Clint Wright, who fears it may not reopen despite a successful fundraising plea.
The aquarium raised $1 million in two weeks from donors from more than 30 countries. And it has sold 100,000 face masks in a partnership with then Vancouver Whitecaps soccer team.
“It’s been amazing, the community support is encouraging. People have been very kind and very generous,” said Wright.
The closure meant the loss of between 1,000 and 2,000 visitors a day and an abrupt end to $3 million a month in admission and other revenues.
About two-thirds of the 331 staff were laid off and remaining staff had hours reduced, maintenance and construction projects were halted, all non-essential costs were cut, the marine mammal rescue centre was closed and senior executives cut their pay by 10 per cent.
“We’re not cutting back on animal care, that’s the one thing we’re not cutting back on,” said Wright.
The aquarium has inventoried its food supply — it catches and freezes 65 tonnes of herring a year and that’s a secure source — but it has to still purchase things like live crickets, sea monkeys, vegetables and fruit (for the fruit bats). The anacondas eat only twice a month but still have to be fed, he said.
The aquarium also implemented strict COVID -19 distancing for staff and separated medical teams into different shift rotations to guard against widespread infection.
“We knew the risk was low but the potential of an infection would be catastrophic,” said Wright.
The measures got the monthly budget to $1 million but a month after closing, its parent company, Ocean Wise Conservation Association, requested $9.5 million in emergency government funding, warning the aquarium faces bankruptcy as early as the summer.
It has since had some “productive talks” with the province.
Before COVID -19 hit, the aquarium was gearing up for the busy and lucrative tourist season, which normally starts with Easter weekend.
Summer admission revenues usually carry the aquarium through the off-season.
Wright said it’s uncertain when it will be allowed to reopen and if it will have to make post-pandemic changes and for how long.
“What happens if this goes on? What happens if there’s a second wave? How long can we on for?” he said.
He said the aquarium, like other marine parks and animal zoos worldwide, is devising a contingency plan to try to find homes for the animals if it closes.