You can't furlough ferrets and tigers. Zoos need federal funds during the pandemic, too

Akobi, an 18kg, 67-day-old pygmy hippopotamus walks with his mom Mabel into the water at the San Diego Zoo. Photos: TNS

Life has been productive for the residents of the Los Angeles Zoo since it closed to the public March 13. Endangered California condors have laid 10 eggs since closure, six of which have hatched into chicks.

But while zoo animals have thrived without visitors, zoo finances across the United States have not. More than 90% of the 240 zoos in North America accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums closed to the public in March as a pandemic-related precaution. Now, 60% have reopened at least partially, but the LA Zoo remains among those that are still locked down.