Budget Cuts Threaten The Bronx Zoo and Dozens of Other

Layoffs abound during these tough financial times. Now, things have gotten so bad that even hardworking porcupines are getting pink slips. When I heard that New York Gov. Paterson is proposing to slash funding for The Bronx Zoo and New York Aquarium (a 55% cut this year, and no money at all next year), my heart sank. One of the main purposes of the Bronx Zoo is to protect endangered species, and now the venerable institution may be endangered itself.

The folks at the Wildlife Conservation Society had a much more proactive response—they enlisted a porcupine to star in a PSA. By posting the funny, yet sobering, video online (see above), they’re hoping to spur people to take action to prevent the budget cuts, which also affect 74 other zoos, botanical gardens, and aquariums across the state.

To sign a petition urging Gov. Patterson not to enact the proposed budget cuts to the Zoos, Botanical Gardens and Aquariums (ZBGA) program, visit the Wildlife Conservation Society’s website.