Little River Zoo Desperate for Funding, Asks Community for Help

By Colleen Chen, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- As the Little River Zoo in Norman enters the winter months, its future is starting to look as bleak as the weather that will soon be here.

The non-profit zoo is known for rescuing animals. About 350 different animals happily call the zoo home, but low donation levels threaten to take it away.

At a minimum, the zoo needs to raise $7,000 a week to keep it running. Zoo leaders said contrary to what many believe, the Little River Zoo does not receive local, state, or federal funding. It is a non-profit project that relies on donations.

This year, donations have been down while operating costs have risen significantly. The combination has led to a financial crisis.

Janet Sadler Schmid is the zoo director. To help keep things going, she has cashed in all her retirement money. Meanwhile, the zoo’s minimum wage employees have started working volunteer hours to prevent the animals from being affected by the economy. Now, zoo leaders said they’ve done all they can and are in desperate need of the community’s help.

"If the animals ever had to leave, God forbid, it’s just unimaginable," said Sadler Schmid.

She said that’s because the animals have touched more than just her life. Each animal carries a story of survival that zoo visitors learn and draw strength from. Because of the zoo’s education programs, children from across the state benefit from the life lessons.

"A lot of animals come to us and they’re adopted or rescued or come from harder times. We like to believe this is a healing place. Sometimes they just make your day. It’s a healing place not just for the animals, but for people too," said Mickey Pierce, Little River Zoo operations manager.

If not enough money is raised, the slow winter season could cause the zoo to close. Cash donations are the most needed, but donations of items on their wish list are also appreciated.

"Every cent counts. Just a small donation that might not even be missed would be a huge difference for our animals," said Sadler Schmid.

If you would like to donate, visit the the Little River Zoo's Web site and scroll down