Four Zookeepers Are Self-Isolating At Their Wildlife Park To Look After The Animals For 12 Weeks
Tags: opinion
In the worst of times, humans always manage to come through for each other, and for nature too. as the COVID-19 scare continues throughout the world, everyone is advised to practice self-isolation. But what about the animals in zoos? Paradise Park in Cornwall has some dedicated employees who decided to self-isolate inside the zoo, staying with their furry friends!
Penguins, flamingos, parrots, red pandas are the usual residents of this zoo in Hayle. But now 4 of the zookeepers, Rachel, Emily, Jane, and Izzy have shifted with the animals to self-isolate inside the zoo. The zoo has been closed for the public and all the staff members were asked to take off and stay home. But these three knew their animal friends needed them. So, they will be spending the next 12 weeks inside the zoo.
https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseParkCornwall/posts/2252967638139546
Self-isolation is one of the best ways at the moment to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. These zookeepers choose to leave behind their families and loved ones to care for the 1200 birds and animals living in Paradise Park.
Read: Wild Animals Are Being Spotted Braving City Streets
Just because they don’t have the comfort of home does not mean they will have to sleep with the animals. The zoo has a house on-site where the employees are staying for the time being.
Paradise Park, naturally very proud and happy about this new settlement, posted on Facebook saying:
As we reach the point when the Park temporarily closes, everything is in place to ensure the birds and animals will be fed and cared for and have enriching opportunities every day.
Three of our Keepers Izzy, Emily and Sarah-Jane have volunteered to move in at the Park for which we are very grateful. They are leaving their families, some of whom are following 12 week self-isolation periods. They will be supported by other Keepers on a daily basis, observing all the relevant guidelines.
https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseParkCornwall/photos/a.305176476252015/2251360994966877/?type=3
Staying away from your family for three long months is difficult at any point in time. It is especially scary when a pandemic is raising hell across the globe. The zookeepers, while they self-isolate inside the zoo, will carry on with their usual work routine. They take care of the animals, feed them, and play with them. Who wouldn’t want a 3-month long stay in a zoo, with penguins and other lovely animals? I for one would love that!
Read: Blame Humans For Coronavirus Crisis, Not Animals, Says U.N Environment Boss
With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down, the zoo has no idea when they can open their doors to the public again. This is one of the rare times when they had to close the Park. The uncertainty of the future made the park’s director, Alison Hales post this on Facebook:
The unknown is very worrying. Spring is usually a hopeful time where we get an influx of visitors and we can breathe a sigh of relief.
It is now as if the rug has been pulled. I’m sure we will be ok. We are relying on the birds to show us the way. We will come out the other end.
https://www.facebook.com/ParadiseParkCornwall/photos/a.305176476252015/2261334753969501/?type=3
Small businesses like this zoo are set to be hit the hardest because of this crisis as the global economy prepares for another recession. Paradise Park has set up a GoFundMe page where you can donate to help the animals with food and other essentials.
Emily, Jane, Rachel, and Izzy are the heroes we need at this hour. Their decision to self-isolate inside the zoo will surely ensure the good health of the animals there.
Image credit: Paradise Park
Leave Comment: