Show Your Support

A reminder that the council committee meeting to discuss budget cuts to the ABQ BioPark and other City departments will meet tonight at 5pm.

Please note there has been a change in location:

Vincent E. Griego Chambers,
Basement level,
One Civic Plaza Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center.

Thank you for calling or emailing your Councilor. We hope to see you tonight at 5pm!
 

Dear BioPark Community Supporter,

Your voice in support of the BioPark is urgently needed! Monday, January 26, a bill introduced last December by Councilor Cadigan to cut $2.2 million across City departments will be discussed in committee. As the BioPark is a significant portion of the City budget, reductions to the Zoo, Aquarium, Botanic Garden, and Tingley Beach are likely to take a larger cut than many.

You can help the City reconsider the proposed cuts:

1. Call or e-mail your Councilor today to express your hope that the City will continue to support the high quality of service, recreational activities, community programs, and educational outreach to Albuquerque’s citizens and visitors. The need is urgent, as these detrimental cutbacks will be discussed in committee next Monday, Jan 26, and brought to the entire City Council in February.
   
2. Attend the Committee Meeting on Monday, January 26, 5pm: If you can, please attend the Finance and Government Operations Committee hearing to learn more, hear where your Councilor stands, and register your support of the BioPark. The meeting will be held on Monday, January 26, 5pm, Vincent E. Griego Chambers, basement level, One Civic Plaza Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Government Center.

The BioPark is one of the Albuquerque community’s most important cultural resources and one of the top tourist attractions in the state. To maintain such excellence requires adequate financial resources.

While spending does need to be reduced in the current tough economic climate and difficult decisions will need to be made, the BioPark has already taken a significant hit including a hiring freeze, increased work load for current employees, spending reductions, and all-around belt-tightening. At this point, the BioPark cannot sustain further cuts to the budget without direct consequences to the state of the facility, the safety of our workers, and the wellbeing of the animals under our watch.

Please note that loss of accreditation is a real risk, and would be a truly devastating consequence of further budget cuts. The BioPark's accreditation under the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) is an important safeguard in ensuring the best care and practices at our parks; accreditation is significantly based on education and conservation programs, adequate staff, and strong financial support--all factors at serious risk if further budget cuts are sustained. Loss of accreditation means we would no longer be able to trade, sell, or loan with the other 204 accredited Zoos and Aquariums across the United States, and would severely impact our ability and mission to contribute to the conservation of endangered and threatened species.

We have made an incredible investment in the BioPark as a City, and this is an investment that must be protected, remaining at the top of the City Councilor's considerations.

Please, if you feel as passionate about this as we do, contact your Councilor today and attend the meeting on Jan. 26.

City Councilor Contact Information: Online form to submit an email comment to any and all Councilors: http://www.cabq.gov/council/councilors/contact-all-councilors
Locate your Councilor by map: http://www.cabq.gov/council/council-district-map

• District 1: Ken Sanchez, (505) 768-3183
• District 2: Debbie O'Malley, (505) 768-3159
• District 3: Isaac Benton, President, (505) 768-3186
• District 4: Brad Winter, (505) 768-3101
• District 5: Michael J. Cadigan, (505) 768-3189
• District 6: Rey Garduno, (505) 768-3152
• District 7: Sally Mayer, Vice President, (505) 768-3136
• District 8: Trudy Jones, (505) 768-3106
• District 9: Don Harris, (505) 768-3123