Oglebay’s Good Zoo was temporarily closed by West Virginia Governor Jim Justice on March 23, 2020 in an effort to slow the effects of the Covid-19 virus. “The governor’s mandate to public facilities across the state was an important step to protect the citizens of our community,” said Good Zoo Director Dr. Joe Greathouse.
The Oglebay Good Zoo is nationally unique as a self-funded, accredited zoo. It does not receive local, state, or federal tax support. Revenue associated with guest admission, programs, concessions, rides, and gift shop purchases supports the nutritional needs of the 400 animals in its care. “The professional animal care team at the Good Zoo continues to provide the very best enrichment and nutrition to the zoo’s animals within their habitats to the highest standard,” Greathouse shared. It costs $1,200 a week to feed the animals at the Good Zoo.
Work continues to enhance the facilities and care for the animals during the closure. The Good Zoo is encouraging community families to consider purchasing or renewing a zoo membership as a way to bridge the gap. Other ways to help include: making a donation, buying a gift membership, or planning a trip to the zoo as soon as it reopens. “Current zoo memberships will be honored and extended for the period of time the Good Zoo is closed. New memberships will go into effect from the date the zoo reopens” Greathouse offered.
Memberships
Membership benefits include free admission to the Good Zoo during regular hours, free or reduced admission to over 150 zoos throughout the United States, reduced admission to special Good Zoo education programs and events. March and April are historically when zoo memberships sell the best thanks to spring break. Sales from these two months are important to the operation of the zoo all year.
“Oglebay is proud to be home to West Virginia’s only AZA accredited zoo. The Good Zoo has a loyal following of dedicated volunteers, members and routine visitors,” said Eriks Janelsins, Oglebay Foundation president and CEO. “The past five weeks have been unprecedented and when the community asks how they can help during these uncertain times, supporting the feeding of the animals is a unique way to sustain one of our community’s special institutions.”
More information about ways to support the Good Zoo can be found at www.oglebay.com/good-zoo you can also call 304-243-4100.
About the Oglebay Foundation:
The Oglebay Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation devoted to inspiring donors to invest in Oglebay and Wheeling Park. The foundation raises strategic support through donations from private individuals, corporations, and foundation giving. In 2019, the foundation provided $2.6 million supporting ongoing programs and projects in the parks. For more information, visit www.oglebayfoundation.org.
