Saint John zoo tries to save itself from extinction

Stable funding from the City of Saint John is needed to ensure that the Cherry Brook Zoo survives, says a zoo official.

The non-profit zoo has been struggling since the city stopped its funding in 2003, said Lynda Collrin, director of zoo development.

She said the zoo is hopeful that money to maintain the facility will be on the platform of some candidates in May's municipal elections.

"Right now we're just scraping by on operational" budgeting, Collrin said Wednesday afternoon.

The zoo's animal population is aging, Collrin said, and there isn't much money to invest in new animals when others die.

The zoo has asked the city annually for money to help cover the costs but it hasn't been provided, she said, and donations from businesses, personal wills and patrons have been keeping the zoo going.

"People want the zoo here — we found that out when our funding was cut. People came out in droves to support the zoo."

City officials did not return phone calls from CBC News.