It’s been an intense two weeks– for everyone. I am happy to report that so far, all is mostly okay with the Animal Care Team.

Our operations are very different, and it’s quiet not having loads of people around. Some animals seem to prefer having less people on grounds. For instance, the muskrat is more active when it’s quiet. However, our donkey, Lightning, is one that seems to do better when people are here. We’ve set up a table & chairs outside the yard so someone can sit and keep him company over lunchtime or other times. (Maybe I’ll try to write the next blog post while sitting at that table!)

We’ve taken the social distancing very seriously. The Animal Care office was quite small, so we’ve moved everyone out and set up tables in Carolina Wildlife where there is more space.

Besides maintaining our distance from each other, we’ve divided the Animal Care Team into two separate working groups that never overlap. This separation provides an additional layer of security for our operations.

It’s very different though. Less hours on grounds, and less hours with each other are causing us to figure out new ways of getting our daily care done, as well as tackling large projects.

We’ve got help though! We’ve got some staff from other departments that have shifted, and are supporting animal care. These staff are divided as well, and remain on opposite teams. We’ve got seven “staff helpers” who are assisting us. Photos below of three helpers from our Retail Operations Team

We’ll keep you posted on the goings on here… check back the end of the week. Most importantly, take care of yourself-– for yourselves, those in your life who are important to you, and for others. Maintain your distance, wash your hands, and don’t touch your face.