A spokesperson for the zoo stated that the facility continues to face significant expenses related to controlling the outbreak of Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). Last month, Dublin Zoo declared its Asian elephant herd healthy after hundreds of hours of dedicated care from staff, with assistance from international veterinary experts, other zoos, and support from An Garda Síochána, as well as the Irish and British governments.

In July, the zoo revealed that two other elephants, Asha (17) and Samiya (10), had tested positive for the virus, following the deaths of Avani (8) and Zinda (7). The spokesperson noted that the costs of managing the outbreak include veterinary care, additional staffing, medication, transportation, and administrative expenses, with total expenses expected to reach six figures.

“The estimated cost to manage the outbreak is between €100,000 and €150,000, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the health and welfare of our animals,” the spokesperson added.

Due to the severity of EEHV, the zoo’s animal care and veterinary teams worked tirelessly, spending countless hours onsite to manage the crisis.

The zoo highlighted one example of their dedication: vet Niamh McGill returned to work just after maternity leave, even having her husband bring their baby to the zoo so she could breastfeed while caring for the elephants.

The financial strain of managing the outbreak was disclosed following the release of the Zoological Society of Ireland’s 2023 annual report.

The report also revealed that record rainfall in July contributed to a 9% drop in visitor numbers, with 1.16 million visitors to Dublin Zoo, including 937,921 day visitors and 224,016 visitors to the Wild Lights event.

The Zoological Society of Ireland, which oversees both Dublin Zoo and Fota Island Wildlife Park, reported an operating loss of €486,000 for the year, following an operating surplus of €1.09 million in 2022. The poor weather and increased operational costs contributed to the deficit, although revenues rose by 2%, from €24.63 million to €25.1 million.

Dublin Zoo Director, Dr. Christoph Schwitzer, noted that the wet weather in July had an irreversible impact on visitor numbers. However, before accounting for non-cash depreciation charges of €4.14 million, the zoo posted an operating surplus.

The spokesperson emphasized that Dublin Zoo had a successful financial year overall, and that the operating surplus before depreciation would help support conservation efforts and capital projects. Looking ahead to 2024, the zoo is seeing positive trends in visitor numbers, with attendance so far exceeding 2023 figures.

Despite broader challenges in the tourism industry, as reported by Fáilte Ireland’s Tourism Barometer, Dublin Zoo has managed to defy the downturn in customer numbers seen elsewhere. Last year, combined revenues from Dublin Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park consisted of €16.64 million in gate income, €3.5 million from shop sales, €2.9 million from memberships, and €1.97 million from other income.

The number of employees increased from 175 to 181, with staff costs rising from €7.6 million to €8 million. Total pay for 19 key management personnel amounted to €1.47 million. Overall, the society’s spending rose by €2.05 million, from €23.53 million to €25.59 million, while total funds at year-end reached €35.65 million, including €13.4 million in cash reserves.