In Jackson, Mississippi, the lack of modern technology at the Jackson Zoo has led to a substantial loss in revenue during the summer season due to the facility only accepting cash, city officials revealed. Abram Muhammad, the director of the City of Jackson’s Department of Parks and Recreation, emphasized that the absence of an electronic payment system has hindered the zoo’s ability to generate income.
During a news conference, Muhammad stated that in May alone, 423 potential visitors were turned away because electronic payments were not an option, resulting in a financial loss ranging from $5,000 to $7,300 for that month. The situation worsened in June and July, with reported revenue losses of $6,800 and $11,000, respectively, totaling between $22,800 to $25,100 due to the absence of electronic payment methods.
Fortunately, a solution is on the horizon as an electronic payment system, enabling credit and debit card transactions, is set to be implemented by the end of the month, Muhammad confirmed.
Various issues have also contributed to the zoo’s decline this year, such as closures caused by water problems and broken pipes, as well as the temporary unavailability of the zoo’s train. However, Muhammad anticipated that the train would be back in operation by the end of August, potentially boosting the zoo’s revenue stream.
Although discussions have previously taken place about relocating the zoo to LeFleur’s Bluff in North Jackson, Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba remains firm against the idea, reaffirming his stance during the recent news conference. Lumumba acknowledged the need for increased investment in the Jackson Zoo but stressed that it should remain in West Jackson to benefit the community there, stating that relocating the zoo to another part of the city is not a favorable option.
