Minnesota Zoo laying off staff, suspending seasonal hiring in face of COVID-19 pandemic
![](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox9.com/www.fox9.com/content/uploads/2020/05/764/432/mn-zoo-bear.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
A bear in an exhibit at the Minnesota Zoo. (FOX 9)
APPLE VALLEY, Minn. (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Zoo says staff reductions have become necessary due to the current situation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced the zoo to close and cancel or postpone many of its programs and events.
The zoo has been closed since March 14.
You can’t stop the farm babies: MN Zoo takes springtime tradition online
There are just some things you can't stop, even in the middle of a pandemic. The Minnesota Zoo's farm babies were already well on their way before the zoo needed to close their doors to the public, so they're featuring the bundles of joy online! Farm curator Dean Treangen, aka Farmer Dean, joined the FOX 9 Morning News with a look behind the scenes.
The zoo has already taken number of measures to reduce costs without affecting the health and safety of its animals and staff, including canceling or delaying major projects and freezing hiring and spending, according to a news release. But, those reductions will not be enough to sustain the zoo in the current environment created by the global pandemic, which zoo officials say is “unlike any challenge the zoo has experienced.”
The zoo is laying off 48 zoo employees and four employees from the Minnesota Zoo Foundation. Vacant positions will remain open and seasonal hiring has been suspended. In total, 125 positions will be impacted.
Getting your wildlife fix online – the Minnesota Zoo boosts free offerings amid closure
With nearly every zoo in the country closed due to COVID-19, animal fans are turning to online offerings to get their wildlife fix. The Minnesota Zoo is boosting their learning opportunities online for families and teachers. Education director Liz Gilles joined the Morning Buzz to discuss their online learning corner.
Despite the staff reductions, zoo officials said animals will continue to receive “exceptional” care and the zoo will make additional resources available for families and educators across the state.
Zoo officials said they are evaluating options for reopening, but the guest experience will be different than what it was before the pandemic.