If you know me, you know I love zoos. I've traveled to many zoos around the world, including Barcelona, Taronga Park in Australia, and the St. Louis Zoo. But among my favorites are the ones close to home. I've grown up going to zoos. I've taken my own children to the zoo since they were infants. I've blogged often about the value zoo memberships bring to families during tough times and the adventures we've had on overnight excursions at the Roger Williams Zoo.
Today I learned of devastating news. New York State is getting ready - soon - to drastically cut the budgets for the Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium. Below is the letter put out by The Wildlife Conservation Society urging zoo members to spread the word about these cuts. Included is a link to a petition. It is up to you if you want to sign it. But I felt I needed to help communicate this important concern. I could never imagine a world without zoos. Cuts of 42% bring us frighteningly closer to such a reality.
Thanks for listening.
Hello -
Did you know that City Hall is proposing a 42% budget cut over last year's budget to the Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium, as well as other cultural institutions in the City? 42%! These are institutions that offer New York City residents of all ages an experience that cannot be valued with a price tag.
These institutions are far more than just tourist attractions -- they are valuable community organizations where families and students learn about some of the world's greatest species. These experiences are priceless. Especially in these tough economic times, we cannot afford to let these programs and services suffer at the hands of our lawmakers.
The Bronx Zoo and the New York Aquarium create jobs and support businesses in our communities.
I just signed a petition to City Hall telling them to restore the proposed funding cuts. Will you take two minutes to do the same?
http://e.wcs.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=203
Thanks!
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