San Antonio Zoo Donates Food to Charity
March 18, 2020 - San Antonio
By B. Kay Richter - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
The San Antonio Zoo was in the midst of preparing for a busy Spring Break when the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly shuttered their doors.
After their temporary closure, the zoo’s culinary team was stuck with an abundance of food that had been purchased for the seasonal crowds. For the organization’s leadership, the perishable food was one of the casualties of the unprecedented lock down but it was also one that they could quickly remedy.
In partnership with Haven for Hope, the zoo donated fruits, desserts, meats, snacks, dairy products, and more to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. For the local non-profit, funneling funds and culinary experiences to the local community is one in which they can take tremendous pride.
“We are navigating uncharted territory amidst this temporary closure, and we are more than happy to help and hope that others will do the same with the resources they have,” said Tim Morrow, president and CEO of San Antonio Zoological Society. “It’s what makes San Antonio special.”
The zoo’s culinary manager, Ruben Dietz, also acknowledged that giving back to other nonprofits is one that is vital to the spirit of community. "We saw the need to give to those who are also in need during these uncertain times," he said.
Lorris Gibson, the executive chef for St. Vinny's Bistro, an organization that feeds San Antonians in need with three meals a day, 365 days of the year, said the donation from the zoo would have a huge impact on their mission of feeding the hungry.
A zebra and giraffe extend greetings to each other. Photo Courtesy: San Antonio Zoo.
"We do over 40,000 meals a month that's breakfast, lunch, and dinner," Gibson said during a video interview. "It is very expensive with the fresh fruits and vegetables [so] this definitely helps impact our bottom line. Ninety percent of what we rely on is in-kind donations."
For the zoo, relying on ticket sales, guest visits and donations provides for much of their operations budget.
"Like other organizations in the city, this temporary closure will have a significant impact on our overall operating budget," Morrow said. "We have no income other than donations for the foreseeable future, but we remain dedicated to this community as we have for the last 106 years.”
The zoo is seeking donations to its emergency fund to assist in the care of its animals and team members. To donate click here.
B. Kay Richter is a writer and photographer residing in the Alamo City. Contact her at bkay@sasentinel.com