Fresno Chaffee Zoo Asking For Donations During Stay-At-Home Order

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is asking the public for donations in order to keep running during the current stay-at-home order.

Zoo officials say the park is struggling financially and will continue to struggle until the zoo is able to welcome guests back.

As of Sunday, December 6, the zoo has been temporarily closed to the public. The closure is expected to last for the duration of the San Joaquin regional stay-at-home order.

The stay-at-home orders issued by California Gavin Newsom are meant to last for three weeks. However, if a region's ICU capacity is still below 15% when the order is scheduled to cease, it could be extended.

ICU capacity projections in the San Joaquin Valley are currently 0%.

The stay-at-home order in Fresno and greater San Joaquin Valley is set to end Monday, January 4, 2021. On Sunday, December 27, Newsom announced that the order would likely be extended in this region.

That leaves the Chaffee Zoo and other Fresno businesses in a tough situation.

"In these uncertain times, please know that your support means more to us now than ever before," reads the zoo's website. "With our three month closure due to COVID, the support and generosity of our community helps to ensure our future."

You can donate to the Fresno Chaffee Zoo here.

Photo: Getty Images