Binder Park Zoo finds ways to give back to local communities as its opening is delayed

Food that was going to be used to feed visitors to Binder Park Zoo and Personal Protection Equipment that was to be used by Zoo staff has been donated to aid in the community’s efforts to address the Coronavirus pandemic.

The Zoo had been gearing up to open for the season which includes readying its two restaurants on zoo grounds -- Beulah’s and Kalahari Kitchen -- in preparation for visitors.  But, like many other organizations dealing with the emergency shut-down, the zoo was required to suspend programs and delay its opening day as essential staff continue working to ensure that the animals are well cared for.

“We had a pretty good inventory of food on hand, and while it would keep, we felt it could be put to better use helping out those who might be in need by the crisis caused by COVID-19,” says Brian McCorkell, General Manager of Food & Retail for Binder Park Zoo. 

In addition to putting together about 300 individually prepared meals that were donated to S.A.F.E. Place of Battle Creek, United Way of Albion/Homer, and Marshall House in Marshall, the zoo also donated enough bulk food items to the SHARE Center to create an additional 400 meals.
Personal Protection Equipment — face shields, N95 masks, disposable gowns, surgical masks and caps, foot covers and gloves were delivered by the Zoomobile to the Bronson Battle Creek collection site.
“These meals were met with smiles as they were delivered to community members in the Albion and Homer area,” says Marcia Starkey, Executive Director of the Albion-Homer United Way. “It was a nice surprise to have a dinner ready to eat in these trying times.”

Five different menus were developed by the zoo's McCorkell, a trained chef who then prepared and packaged the meals. “Supporting our community is a privilege since they support the zoo throughout the year,” says McCorkell. 

The zoo also included a number of plush animals from the Safari Gift Shop to distribute along with the meals for families with children.

At the same time, these efforts were underway, an assessment of the inventory at the zoo’s vet hospital was taken by the Animal Health and Animal Care staff who identified a number of items that could aid in the human healthcare PPE supply shortage.  

A number of face shields, N95 masks, disposable gowns, surgical masks and caps, foot covers and gloves were delivered by the Zoomobile to the Bronson Battle Creek collection site on Thursday, says Zoo spokesperson Leslie Walsh.

“It’s not unusual for zoos to receive donations of equipment and supplies from human hospitals,” says Dr. Kim Thompson, staff veterinarian at Binder Park Zoo. “Now the opposite is happening. And while it isn’t an enormous quantity, we are happy to return the favor and do what we can by donating important PPE equipment to help keep our health care professionals safe.”

Walsh says the Zoo, like other organizations unable to open to the public, is in a tenuous position as well, “But we have something positive that we can share right now – an inventory of food for our communities and supplies our health care providers need. To help bridge some gaps is a way we can give back and maybe, provide a bit of inspiration at the same time,” Walsh says.

The zoo opened to the public in 1977 and will celebrate its 43rd year when they open for the season.

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