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Bronx Zoo, NY Aquarium Face Layoffs
By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 16, 2009
Modified Jan 16, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Jan 16, 2009
Modified Jan 16, 2009
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There's more bad news for New York's animals, and the humans that take care of them: The Daily News is reporting that Bronx Zoo and New York aquarium staffs are facing layoffs in light of the proposed budget cuts. "As many as 130 staffers could be laid off," they told the paper, who reiterates that "The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs the facilities, is facing $15 million in government funding cuts from its $103 million annual budget this year, and the state will cut off all funding in 2010." The layoffs will hit everyone (and the porcupine was already let go), from administration to sales to groundskeeping—sending both union and non-union employees to the unemployment office. The news was delivered to staff yesterday by WCS President Steven Sanderson, who told the paper that, in the end, if they can't afford to keep the animals, "then we have to try to find a better place for them."
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bronx zoo
Budget cuts
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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