Surviving the Zoo‑Hurricane: How Ho Chi Minh’s Historic Zoo Tightened Its Belt
When the COVID‑19 storm hit Vietnam, even a 150‑year‑old institution like the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens had to tighten its pockets. Visitor numbers fell like a dropped banana, lockdowns locked the gates shut, and the zoo’s ~180 million dong a day (≈ S$10,700) bill left the staff scrambling.
The New Breed of Revenue: From Flowers to Fertiliser
- Phạm Văn Tân, the head honcho, says the zoo’s ticket sales used to drip in most of its $5 million yearly revenue. “We’re now diversifying,” he chuckles.
- The zoo is growing flowers to sell to the public, designing gardens for homeowners, and even selling fertilizer to local farmers.
Pay Cuts That Go to the Animals
Staff accepted a 30 % salary cut – a sacrifice that translates into seasonally‑priced food for the 1,400+ animals. “We’re feeding them with what we’re already growing on the outskirts of the city,” Phạm explains. He’s proud that nearly half of the zoo’s rations now come from home‑grown produce.
Fund‑Raising Fever: 100 k Dollars in 48 Hours
In a whirlwind fundraising drive, the zoo raised over $100,000 in just two days. A generous donation of 25 tonnes of food also helped the zoo keep its animals healthy without the ability to engage in international breeding exchanges.
Animals Thriving on Low Crowd Power
“Fewer visitors give them a chance to get a breath of fresh air,” says veterinarian Nguyễn Bà Ph. Even the timid giraffes seem more confident with a quieter cage.
Visitors Slowly Returning: A New ‘Quiet‑Spot’ Experience
Today, the zoo sees roughly 1,400 visitors daily – a far cry from the 12,000 pre‑pandemic buzz. Manager Nguyễn Thin Quay invites families to enjoy the sanctuary “when it’s less crowded.” He’s on hand with his son and wife, hinting that the experience is well worth the wait.
A Call to Action
In any crisis, the heart keeps beating—so does the zoo, thanks to community passion and a willingness to adapt. Continue supporting, visit sooner, or help fund the next heyday!
