{"id":3697,"date":"2020-08-19T10:43:56","date_gmt":"2020-08-19T02:43:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=3697"},"modified":"2020-09-14T23:01:13","modified_gmt":"2020-09-14T15:01:13","slug":"saigon-zoo-donations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/saigon-zoo-donations\/","title":{"rendered":"HCMC Residents Donate Food & Money To Help Saigon Zoo Through Pandemic\u2019s Economic Impact"},"content":{"rendered":"

Saigon residents donate to Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/h2>\n
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The COVID-19 pandemic <\/strong>has taken a toll on many privately run businesses, especially those that have to cover enormous fixed costs such as zoos.<\/p>\n

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>is no exception. As its revenue from ticket sales plunged<\/strong> significantly due to the COVID-19 impact, the zoo has called for help so it can continue caring for its 1,500 animals.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden struggles because of the COVID-19 pandemic<\/span><\/h3>\n
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\"Saigon
\nImage credit: <\/em>Th\u1ea3o C\u1ea7m Vi\u00ean – S\u00e0i g\u00f2n Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Because of a steep shrink in revenue since the beginning of 2020, 270<\/strong> SGBZ staff members have had to take a temporary 30% salary cut <\/strong>so the zoo can pay for animal food.<\/p>\n

Home to 1,500 animals, many of which are endangered animals<\/strong> that need to be taken care of carefully, the zoo needs about 5 tons of animal food per day. Therefore, the zoo usually spends VND5 billion to VND6 billion<\/strong> (USD215,750-USD258,890) per month on animal food and care.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nGrass for zoo elephants
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>VnExpress<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, ticket revenue – the zoo\u2019s main source of earnings – has shrunk from VND300 million (~USD12,944) per month<\/strong> before the COVID-19 pandemic to only VND15 million (~USD647.25) per month.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As the monthly expenses have far exceeded its revenue<\/strong>, the zoo management called for donations from the community between 1st August and 9th August.<\/p>\n

Responding to the zoo\u2019s call for help, many Saigon residents have contributed to the zoo in different ways – one of which was of course money. Within 9 days, the SGBZ had recorded over VND2.5 billion (~USD107,874)<\/strong> in cash donations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nImage adapted from: <\/em>Kenh 14<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Even though the zoo management has stopped receiving monetary donations, local residents are still donating tons of groceries, <\/strong>such as bananas and carrots,<\/strong> to feed the animals.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nSaigon Zoo & Botanical Garden staff member delivering plants to buyers\u2019 doorsteps
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>Th\u1ea3o C\u1ea7m Vi\u00ean – S\u00e0i g\u00f2n Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

SGBZ has also seen a remarkable increase in visitors <\/strong>on weekends as well as orders for plants and souvenirs<\/strong> from its gift shop<\/a>, thanks to people who hope to help the zoo tide over this period with their small contributions.<\/p>\n

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Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden<\/span><\/h3>\n
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\"Saigon
\nSaigon Zoo & Botanical Garden in the 1960s
\n<\/em>Image credit: <\/em>S\u00e0i G\u00f2n Vi Vu<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

Founded in 1865, the Saigon Zoo is Vietnam\u2019s largest<\/strong> and the world’s 8th oldest zoo. <\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Saigon<\/p>\n

It\u2019s home to 1,500 mammals, birds, and reptiles, 900 of which are endangered animals<\/strong>, such as yellow-cheeked gibbons and Bengal lions.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nA Bengal lion of a rare breed
\n<\/em>Image adapted from: <\/em>TuanDao \/ Th\u1ea3o C\u1ea7m Vi\u00ean – S\u00e0i g\u00f2n Zoo & Botanical Gardens<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

The place also boasts stunning landscapes and biodiversity<\/strong>, showcasing a diversity of rare orchids and over 1,800 old trees and plants.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon
\nA visitor in the orchid garden<\/em>
\nImage credit: <\/em>Nhumay Hoang<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Apart from plenty of Instagram-worthy spots<\/strong> in a natural setting and nostalgic atmosphere, visitors can also explore plenty of classic games<\/strong> for children and families, such as the merry-go-round, train rides, and water slides.<\/p>\n

\"Saigon<\/p>\n

To boost visitors in the long run, SGBZ staff members have been promoting<\/strong> the zoo\u2019s images and services on social media platforms, which have been well-received by netizens.<\/p>\n

It is also calling for volunteers <\/strong>to join its marketing campaigns as art painters and video editors. Those who are keen to join the endeavor to help locals rediscover SGBZ can check out the details here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden receives help from residents<\/span><\/h3>\n
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Even though many local residents are struggling with COVID-19\u2019s adverse impacts, it\u2019s heartwarming <\/strong>to see them quickly and eagerly providing relief<\/a> to SGBZ in their own ways.<\/p>\n

Not only is SGBZ a rare place in the city to relax in nature<\/strong>, but it\u2019s also home to many animals<\/strong> whose livelihoods depend on us visitors, and a reservoir of memories <\/strong>for many generations of Saigon residents.<\/p>\n

To help preserve one of Saigon\u2019s rarest historic and cultural treasures, you can visit SGBZ with your loved ones over the weekends, or purchase zoo-themed products<\/a> on its website.<\/p>\n

Entrance fee:<\/strong> <\/span>VND50,000 (~USD2.16) per ticket, available at both ticket counters and online<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Address:<\/strong> <\/span>1 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 I 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1<\/p>\n

Also check out:<\/p>\n