Brookfield Zoo to furlough 40 workers

Brookfield Zoo will furlough 40 workers when it closes for January and February. The employees are expected to return to work March 1.

The zoo previously announced plans to close for the months of January and February because of the ongoing pandemic.

The measures were taken due to “unanticipated and urgent pressures” on the zoo’s operation brought on by the pandemic, zoo officials said this week.

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“We value the commitment and hard work of every one of our talented employees. However, like so many other employers across the nation who depend on customers, these difficult decisions were necessary,” officials said.

“We continue to assure the continued care and welfare of the animals in our care, as well as the safety of our guests, staff, volunteers, and members.”

Ahead of the temporary closure, Brookfield Zoo expanded the schedule for its annual Holiday Magic event.

Museums statewide closed in mid-November after Gov. J.B. Pritzker tightened coronavirus restrictions in an effort to control a second surge of COVID-19 cases.