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Bastrop Co. zoo gets overwhelming response after making a plea for meat

"Thank You to our community and friends our animals are well taken care of because of your compassion, caring and willingness to give," the zoo said.

CEDAR CREEK, Texas — After the Capital of Texas Zoo in Bastrop County made a plea for donations of meat to help feed its animals, the zoo said it has received a tremendous response. 

The zoo found itself desperately needing more meat to feed its animals amid the coronavirus pandemic. The zoo also said it missed out on spring break trips and field trips because of the concerns, putting the zoo in a tough situation.

"We have lost many thousands of dollars in the last couple of weeks," said Michael Hicks, the founder and director of the zoo.

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But within 24 hours of posting the plea on Facebook, the zoo said it now has its freezers full, though it is still concerned for the future, as no one knows how long business will be slow. They're asking for more donations from the public if possible.

“We are still cash poor. Spring break is usually our biggest week of the year and as you can guess we had very few people through this year, and we’ve had a full month's worth of field trips and outreach programs that have canceled," said Hicks. 

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While many people from all walks of life are feeling the impact from the coronavirus pandemic differently, Hicks said small zoos are also feeling it. 

"It’s the little small zoos that are going to get hurt the worst," said Hicks. “All of the small zoos I’m sure right now could all use a little bit of help.”

The Capital of Texas Zoo is home to the famous Tank the hippo, who was the subject of a controversial gender reveal in September.

A campaign was later launched to help Tank find a girlfriend.

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