WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Zoo New York Executive Director Mark Irwin spent Wednesday morning opening a pile of mail with donation checks inside. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhoa, this is for $10,000! That\u2019s a big one,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The money continues to come in after a recent New York Times article explained the zoo\u2019s hardships and lack of public funding.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is amazing. It\u2019s very uplifting. We\u2019re so thankful and we appreciate this much attention coming to our little zoo here,\u201d said Irwin.<\/p>\n
The zoo has now seen more than $200,000 in donations since the article was posted online nearly 2 weeks ago. Recently, the same article appeared in the Times\u2019 print version of the newspaper, leading to this latest influx of envelopes.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat it does give us is some stability and security through the winter, because obviously we have a lot less attendance through that time, and it helps us make sure we can meet all of our needs that way,\u201d said Irwin.<\/p>\n
As they go through their mail, zoo employees are also finding piles, and piles of receipts for items from their Amazon wish list, which many donors have been fulfilling. The items range from paper towels to a big red soccer ball for the elk.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt feels a little bit coming in like every day is a birthday or Christmas. That\u2019s the one thing that\u2019s really motivated people is to think about the animals that we care for. Are they misfits? I guess technically they are. A lot of our animals were rescues that come in confiscations from DEC, for example. We give them a good home, and they want to see the animals do well,\u201d said Irwin.<\/p>\n
Zoo leaders are taking time to decide what\u2019s the best way to invest the donations into Zoo New York. <\/p>\n
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