SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The San Diego Zoo and Safari Park have been closed since March 16, but care for the animals and grounds continues despite the coronavirus outbreak.
On Wednesday, they shared an update on operations and ongoing conservation work being done without visitors on property.
Behind the scenes video shared by San Diego Zoo Global shows caregivers cleaning habitats, fixing special diets, providing enrichment activities, and specialty care to animals that may need it.
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President and CEO Paul Baribault spoke with 10News via Skype Wednesday, explaining that their conservation work also continues globally to protect endangered species worldwide, despite the pandemic. He thanked the San Diego community specifically for their support during this unprecedented time.
A press release put out by the zoo says says staff at both parks are being staggered to maintain appropriate distancing, but in many cases it has increased the amount of time each day that people are around the animals.
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When asked how some of the more social animals are handling the lack of visitors, Baribault said, "I think they're just really confounded by it... it's part of the fabric of their daily life. The families, the children... they're looking for that every day."
For the humans who miss visiting, the zoo is offering a variety of online learning opportunities and supplemental school curriculum for Kindergarten through high school students.
There are live wildlife web cameras, where you can watch the animals, and a brand new butterfly camera at the Safari Park.
