Zoo to offer ‘Behind the Scenes’ video subscriptions

Oakland Zoo, hurting from loss of revenue during the COVID-19 mandatory closure, is launching a livestreaming “Behind the Scenes” subscription service to teach people about the animals in its care, as well as offset financial losses.

People can subscribe to the program, which broadcasts through the zoo’s website at 2:30 p.m. every weekday. Each 20 to 30-minute animal-centric show features animals, their keepers and veterinary hospital staff. The experts will talk about the animals and their behaviors and give viewers a look at parts of the zoo they would never see in an in-person visit. Subscribers can direct message their questions and comments.

Subscriptions are $14.95 a month, but zoo members get the first 30 days free, followed by a discounted $9.95 a month fee.

“Being closed to the public pushed us to think about how we could offer people a new way to connect with us in an impactful and unique way, while helping the zoo survive without admissions revenue,” Zoo president and CEO Joel Parrott said. “Going behind the scenes and including the interactive component for subscribers to submit questions in real time gives people something that goes even beyond a normal zoo visit.”

Admissions account for 80% of the zoo’s operating budget. Officials are hoping revenue from the subscription service will help offset the losses that have forced layoffs and reduced work hours for staff that began Wednesday.

The subscription series is slated to continue after the zoo reopens. Find more information at oaklandzoo. org/go-behind-the-scenes.