Calgary Zoo, YMCA announce layoffs amid COVID-19 pandemic

YMCA Calgary said it has plans for offering new ways to support citizens. A small team of staff is developing resources to support the community during the COVID-19 crisis. There is also a new online resource available from the YMCA’s website. 

Calgary Zoo

After closing its gates on March 16, the Calgary Zoo confirmed Friday it has laid off 60 per cent of its employees.

Officials said a total of 253 full-time and auxiliary positions were impacted.

“We temporarily laid off 157 hourly positions directly tied to serving customers and 96 positions related to program development and operations,” said Alison Archambault, the zoo’s director of marketing, sales and communications.

“We still have 149 positions focused on caring for our animals and advancing our conservation work locally and globally.”

Care will still be provided for the animals, the zoo said.

“While this situation is unprecedented, our beloved animals remain in exceptional care and we’ll continue to stay connected online,” the zoo said on social media, adding that alternate bamboo suppliers are in place for the pandas.

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