In times like these, beloved pets are increasingly becoming a cost issue. But the rise in prices for animal feed and supplies can also be felt in zoos and wildlife parks. The “Tiroler Crown” asked around.
“Inflation also affects us and is around the usual six to 30 percent,” calculates André Stadler, director of the Innsbruck Alpine Zoo. About 20 species of mammals, about 200 species of birds and numerous reptiles, amphibians and fish have to be cared for in Innsbruck. A balancing act that is now becoming increasingly difficult to accomplish.
“It now costs more than twice as much”
Although the animal world in Wildpark Assling is more manageable, the 35 species and about 150 animals that live there still present a challenging situation for the private zoo: meat and grain have become blatantly more expensive. After all, the hay comes from our own fields. “It now costs more than twice as much as for Corona,” says owner Carmen Lukasser.
The situation is difficult because you finance yourself mainly through entrance fees: “People compare us to the big ones, but we help finance them all. They also have more attractions. However, admission to us costs 11.50 euros for adults.” One euro more than in 2019.
“We don’t skimp on food”
There is agreement about keeping the animals. “Our focus is 110 percent on animal welfare. So there is no saving on the feed. We just have to bite the bullet. But the animals will not suffer,” says Stadler, and Lukasser adds: “But we are not giving any animals away for the time being. We just have to hope that the people are generous and provide additional income with the feeding stations along the road through our park.”
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
