Brevard Zoo monkeys with lack of revenue, continuing animal care during COVID-19 pandemic

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Even while its doors are closed to visitors, the Brevard Zoo continues to promote conservation and care for hundreds of animals.

The zoo closed to the public on March 18 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It came at the worst possible time. I have this daydream if it had waited two months it would have been a lot better for the zoos because spring is when all our guests come,” said Keith Winsten, executive director of the Brevard Zoo.

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Winsten said those guests can continue to support the zoo through their donations, which are needed now more than ever. While tourism development dollars support capital improvements at the zoo, the nonprofit receives no recurring public funds for operations.

“The zoo really depends on earned income, people coming through the gates, food, gifts, all those things and literally on March 18 that went away. Literally, 90% of our income went away,” Winsten said.

The zoo managed to lower costs during the shutdown cutting salaries and reducing hours for employees while maintaining distance learning.

But there’s still the cost of caring for more than 900 animals. While guests have been away, the zoo has prioritized projects like power washing, sanitation improvements and replacing roofs.

Winsten said the zoo hopes to reopen later this month.

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