The Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael animal park in Muizen near Mechelen suffered a loss of turnover of € 100.000 per park every day in April. This is because those parks also had to be closed due to the corona measures. They are now calling on their subscribers to renew their subscription despite the closure. The costs for food and care continue as normal.
An Verstuyft from VRT NWS has all attention for the request of both parks. During this time, subscribers of Zoo Antwerp and Planckendael receive a letter in the box asking to extend their subscription. This year, the zoos are urging to do so, and the parks are also closed.
"In these uncertain and difficult times, we ask support from our biggest fans," said spokesperson Ilse Segers.
For the time being, subscribers will not be able to visit the parks, because they also had to close to prevent the spread of the corona virus. This has major financial consequences for the zoos. In April, both parks suffered a loss of turnover of 100.000 euros every day.
“We have no income from ticket sales, nor from our shops or catering businesses. Meanwhile, the costs for feeding and caring for our animals continue. Of course we also want to keep this care excellent now. ”
Reopening
There are normally 300 employees in Antwerp and about 100 in Planckendael, but now 75 percent of the staff are on temporary unemployment. In the meantime, a possible reopening is being prepared. Various plans are ready. Depending on the guidelines, they think of time slots, longer opening hours, compulsory walking routes and corona stewards in the parks who monitor compliance with the measures.
