There is never enough resource to optimally manage the National Zoological Parks, said General Manager of the National Parks Commission,Brent Seabrook Jersey, Yolanda Vasconcellos, as she attempted to outline the challenges encountered to effectively manage the more than 50 years old zoo. In fact she noted that the support of the private sector is especially crucial.She was at the time addressing a press conference at the Thomas Lands National Parks Commission (NPC) headquarters yesterday, a forum which was geared at dispelling some media reports that the zoo is being neglected.And the challenges, according to Vasconcellos, are centred mainly on finances despite the fact that the NPC’s budget has increased significantly since 1990.? She attributed the escalating costs of maintenance of infrastructure to a major factor that contributes to the challenges at the zoo.According to Vasconcellos, the bulk of external income goes toward salaries and wages while revenue is ploughed back into feeding the animals and provides preventative medical attention.And in order to address this situation, she said that one in-house suggestion made by the board to the previous zoo management was to raise rabbits and produce six-week crops as supplement feed and cost saving measures.“This is yet to be implemented. However, we have trimmed the cost of carcass purchased for the animals by direct sourcing from abattoirs after suspect quantities and quality was observed.”She said that previous purchases from a butcher were $300,000 to $400,000 per week, an amount which has since been reduced to $700,000 per month, a saving of some $500,000 per month. Nonetheless, internal auditing despite a lack of adequate human capacity has been very vigilant in the past three years reporting directly to the Board through the Chairman.Vasconcellos revealed that although attendance at the zoo is constant, the meagre admission fee of $200 per adult and $100 per child does nothing to boost the financial base. And then there is the added challenge of persons ill-treating some animals and opting to physically distort sections of the zoo.“We believe the public, especially the private sector, can do more to help… We thank a few private sector entities such as GT&T, Courts, Farfan and Mendes for their support but much more is needed. We need many more entities to come on board with tangible long term sustained assistance,” Vasconcellos asserted.According to her, there is an urgent need for the private sector and the public at large to have a better understanding of the limited resources due to financial priorities and an appreciation for the many successes amidst all the challenges.Late last year, she said that the zoo commenced a programme of rehabilitating cages, which is being done in phases under the guidance of the Veterinarian who advises on the most suitable husbandry condition whether it be floors or roofs depending on the animals specific needs. This move, Vasconcellos said,College Jerseys, is being supported by Farfan and Mendes and private citizens who have committed to supporting the work of the zoo.“This is ongoing and will take some time given the old designs of the cages which are being altered as more is learnt globally about animals and their specific needs in a captive environment.Many of these enclosures were built several years ago with consideration given to its placement to combat the hot midday sun,” Vasconcellos noted. The cage designs,World Cup Jerseys, she added, also cater to the nocturnal collections which are protected from the heat and bright sunlight, reducing an enormous amount of stress and discomfort.And then the exhibits which house the reptiles were designed for ventilation as the views allow airflow and reduce heat build-up.According to her, most of the enclosures that place jaguars, pumas and other cats and such are designed and built to ensure the safety of the visitors, keepers and the animals. The tame mammals (like deer) are held in a fenced area resembling their natural habitat.And no little effort is made to ensure the protection of staffers. In fact,Brian Gionta Jersey, an Occupational and Health Safety Committee was initiated in the latter part of last year and staffers had all undergone medical examinations at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation and have been found to be free of zoonotic diseases, Vasconcellos reported.In addition, staffers are continually issued with necessary safety gear. However, it was noted that not all staff members opt to utilise them.Also present at the press briefing yesterday were Chairman of the Board, John Caesar; Deputy Manager,World Baseball Cla