POWELL, Ohio (WTVN)--The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has eliminated over 30 employees, and furloughed nearly 30 others, as the facility remains closed during the coronavirus pandemic.
Zoo officials made the announcement Tuesday, saying the jobs eliminated were not in animal care.
The zoo has been closed since March 16th due to the pandemic. Zoo President and CEO Tom Stalf says he is confident the facility will be able to reopen sometime this summer.
Officials are now projecting a budget shortfall of at least $25-million for the 2020 fiscal year. Budget reductions were also made in March.
Under normal circumstances, the zoo is open 363 days a year, and still takes care of over 10,000 animals.