By Robert Williams

Editor

Trowbridge Creek Zoo announced on Friday, Aug. 14, it will be closing after this, its final season.

Owners of the Vergas Zoo utilized a short social media post of, “We are sorry to announce but this will likely be our last summer open,” which garnered 250 comments and media requests.

Comments ranged from possible solutions to keep the zoo open to relating tales of visits and the joy the zoo brought to visitors, especially children.

Three days later, owner Dustin Ebersviller released an official statement:

“I, Dustin, grew up on a dairy farm and started raising whitetail deer when I was 15-years-old. Since then, I have gained over 25 years of experience raising domesticated and exotic animals. My wife, Rachel, was also raised on a dairy farm and has supported my endeavors for over 20 years. As the passion and variety of my animals grew, my wife and I decided to share that with the public, and we opened our zoo in 2016. 

We carry three licenses and several permits in order to own and share our animals with the public. The licenses and permits come with regulations and requirements for us to follow and abide by. We are doing that.

All of us would like our zoo to be able to go above and beyond the requirements, but with the consistent decline in attendance, we are not financially able to do so.

Unfortunately, attendance over the last several years has been declining. Not just for us but other privately-owned zoos as well. 

Our season is short, with only around 100-110 operating days per year. During that time, the zoo needs to generate enough income to care and provide for the animals year-round. 

The stress and pressure for the zoo to be perfect every day and to make improvements that we can’t afford is too much. 

What can the public do for us? Just support us like so many of you have the last few days. 

What will happen to the animals if we close? Some animals will stay but most will move to other facilities. 

Thank you for letting Trowbridge Creek Zoo be a part of your life!”

The statement attracted another 100 comments, many concerned about potentially starting a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the zoo, but that would need the consent of zoo ownership.

Given the explanation in Mr. Ebersviller’s statement, that currently seems unlikely.