WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – A recent New York Times article on Watertown’s Zoo New York has people from all over the country reacting and supporting.
The title: “A Beloved Zoo of Misfit Animals Is Almost Out of Money.” The article on a small zoo by a newspaper with a large reach.
“It’s wonderful. We’re so excited about it. It’s a mix of gratitude and disbelief to see this much attention coming from not just our community but outside of that. New York City, other states, other countries. So it’s been an amazing, somewhat surreal experience,” said Mark Irwin, Zoo New York interim executive director.
The New York Times article, published last Friday, took note of the animals, the people who work and volunteer at the zoo, and the dire need for funding or animals there could ultimately be euthanized.
The article struck a chord with readers who took action to help.
“In 2024, we had 200 memberships and we’ve sold 216 since Friday,” said Irwin.
It’s not just memberships. Other readers commented on the story that they were donating to the zoo, from $100 to $2000.
The zoo’s financial hardships have been known for years with leaders going to Watertown and Jefferson County lawmakers asking for public support, but it hasn’t been fully given – something readers of the article can’t seem to believe.
Irwin says the newspaper article, on the heels of a successful weekend fundraiser, is moving the zoo in positive steps and he hopes it can continue.
“We want to connect people and wildlife and what we uniquely do here is that we have native wildlife and our focus is to promote by example, what the value of New York wildlife is,” he said.
Irwin isn’t sure what the total is from the donations coming in because of the article, but says he wouldn’t be surprised if it’s $10,000 or more.
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