Lion Safari answering appetites of animals during pandemic
CAMBRIDGE — Fedha the lion is eating. And he’s eating well.
The white cat is one of the star attractions at African Lion Safari, a wildlife park that has straddled the CambridgeHamilton border for the past 50 years.
And while some Ontario zoos are struggling with the hefty costs involved in feeding their animals during the COVID -19 shutdown, African Lion Safari staff say they’re holding up just fine.
“Like most companies we are affected by COVID,” said general manager Trish Gerth. “We’ll see some lost revenue depending on when and if we open.
“But ... we’re privately owned. We’re self-funded. We prepare for different types of emergency situations, so we are financially prepared to carry on and care and feed the animals.”
Other parks are feeling a bit caged in.
The Toronto Zoo has launched a fundraising effort in hopes of collecting $100,000 to help feed its 5,000 animals, whose dining bill comes in at around $1 million per year.
The Twin Valley Zoo in Brantford is also trying to raise $100,000 with a GoFundMe campaign for its brood and is almost halfway there.
Feeding the more than 1,000 animals at African Lion Safari, which includes elephants, giraffes, monkeys and lions, is one of the park’s biggest expenses.
And the bottom line is taking a hit.
All zoos rely heavily on admission fees to help feed the flocks, prides and packs. Spring is especially busy with school trips. And the popularity of the Netflix show “Tiger King,” which profiles big cat owners, could also drive customers to the park to see the lions and cheetahs.
African Lion Safari is seasonal and runs from May to late September but it won’t meet its May 2 opening date this year due to the pandemic.
“We’re kind of in the same boat as everybody else,” said Gerth. “We have to see what government restrictions are lifted in that time frame. We’re essential because of the animal care but the attraction part we wouldn’t really be considered essential.”
Gerth said her team is considering various operating scenarios including a drivethrough only option for customers.
The park is also looking to see if it qualifies for any government relief.
“Everything is kind of up in the air,” she said. “We don’t know what is happening yet. We’re preparing for when we can open.”
As for the animals, they’re readying for the crowd.
“Just like us, we’re all excited to have visitors come,” said Gerth.