I've already written a diary called Save the Bronx Zoo Today. Now an email from the zoo points out that "Tomorrow will be too late for the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium."
In the Bronx alone more than 800 teens are hired each year with more than 1,000 seasonal workers getting jobs at the zoo. Bloomberg who will bend over backwards to save every single job on Wall St. has already knocked city support down to $9 million last year and he thinks another 42% is feeling the bite? His answer to this threat to the Bronx economy can be seen at this NY1 report "every group has to feel the bite from budget cuts." With the proposed 50% cut from Albany that's far more than a bite.
I covered as much as I could in Save the Bronx Zoo Today so now I will just copy and paste that letter below with some alternative actions.
Dear Edward,
Budget hearings are underway at City Hall as I write – making this a critical moment for the future of the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium.
The proposed budget would slash funding for the zoo and aquarium by 42 percent over last year's budget, devastating these vital New York institutions and the local economies that depend on them.
Lawmakers can still restore funding – but they need to know how important these places are to New Yorkers.
Watch our new video satire about the devastating effects of these cuts – and then sign the petition to City Hall.
Signing our petition only takes a minute. But this small step could have a big impact on New York and New Yorkers for a long time to come.
The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium are part of the cultural bedrock of New York City – places for families, friends and students to come together and learn about some of the world's most magnificent species.
And the 300 million people who visit each year aren't the only ones who benefit. These institutions also pump $289 million into our economy, supporting businesses and creating jobs in the boroughs and across New York.
City Hall's draconian cuts would reverberate far and wide, hurting everyone from school children to small business owners to scientists.
Will you sign our petition today?
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
John F. Calvelli
Executive Vice President
Wildlife Conservation Society
There are budget cuts all around but how does a city come up with a 42% cut for the zoo and other cultural institutions? As I pointed out in Save the Bronx Zoo Today there is no hope of influencing Michael Bloomberg. He wants the free day in these parks to end so everybody pays and poor children just don't go to the zoo or aquarium.
As an older New Yorker I actually remember where that one free days per week and the education programs for low income families came from. It is a government subsidy that is over two generations old, a product of good government that was considered permanent even through the budget crisis of the 1970's. That was back when the less fortunate children of the city mattered to government.
I suggested;
New York City is suppose to be the cultural capital of the nation and the present government is just trying to do for culture what they've already done for public television and radio. Perhaps the best action you could take is to contact the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and write a letter informing them that due to all the budget cut at the cultural attractions you have canceled your plans to visit New York City. Since they are the only people that Bloomberg listens to, it might have some impact.
Or you could try Council Speaker Christine Quinn. This link will lead to phone numbers and an email to tell her you are changing plans over these draconian budget cuts. Or if you live in New York City you can find your city council member here.
Or just use your telephone;
Another way to help, if you have the funds, join the Wildlife Conservation Society. Not only can they put the money to great use, perhaps a few more financial supporters will impress the government. The will of the people does not seem to impress them;
According to a 2008 national public opinion survey, 79 percent of Americans believe that zoos and aquariums are good for the local economy, and an impressive 80 percent believe that zoos and aquariums are important enough to local communities to be supported by government funding.
There was a previous statement from John Calvelli that shows what Bloomberg has in store for the Bronx and Brooklyn, the Queens Zoo will be hurt too;
"When you cut culture in New York City, you are hurting New Yorkers and New York, especially during a time of high unemployment in our state," said John Calvelli, WCS executive vice president of public affairs.
"Our zoo and aquarium and all of our city's cultural institutions, including our museums, gardens and performing arts groups, are in communities where families rely on them for jobs and where merchants rely on them to drive tourism and business."
The WCS refuses to follow Bloomberg's advise and end the free day. After last years's cuts the zoo is smaller, no more World of Darkness for children to learn that when the suns goes down most of the worlds animals wake up. The Rare Animal Range is gone too, endangered species many that only exist because of the efforts of the Wildlife Conservation Society, have been shipped out. The exhibits of Arabian oryx and blesbok are gone, the Skyfarie has been dismantled and the 112 year run of Wildlife Conservation magazine has ended a year ago.
Once again the only answer for the zoo and aquarium from government could mean cutting more staff, closing more exhibits, maybe even shipping more animals to other zoos, just like last year.
But then, who needs wildlife conservation?