Already suffering from revenue losses, these parks are thankful to reopen in a creative way.
What You Need To Know
- Animal Adventure and The Wild Animal Park are open for drive-thru business.
- The Wild Animal Park estimates $1 million loss already from the pandemic.
- Visit the park's websites for hours and safety information.
Animal Adventure Park in Harpursville and The Wild Animal Park in Chittenango are used to big crowds each spring and summer, but even these sight-seeing destinations are feeling the weight of this pandemic.
"We probably lost I mean maybe a million dollars so far this year," said The Wild Animal Park owner Jeff Taylor.
The need to reopen became clearer than ever.
"Just because we're in a pandemic, does not mean the animals stop eating or that they don't need care. Our expenses have not gone down, they've actually increased due to increased pricing," said Animal Adventure owner Jordan Patch.
Customers are getting the drive-thru experience.
"We want families to come out I think this is a great opportunity just to bring people's spirits up too. I mean kids, parents, they've been stuck at home," said Taylor.
Now, in Chittenango, families are driving through interacting with more than 100 animals. For Jordan Patch at Animal Adventure, it's the same encounter.
"Guests are able to remain in their vehicle the entire time at Animal Adventure and while they're here, they'll be able to see up to 40 different species," said Patch.
Families think it's the best drive-thru ever.
"My daughter is four and so she's been home for two months now and she's really excited to get out of the house and you know, we're safe," said Ashlee Gould, a Chenango County Resident.