See Also: Animal Ark Struggling

The Sierra Safari Zoo near Stead is threatening to close its doors after 18 years. Owners are citing a tough economy and an increase in the cost of animal care.

Every winter, the Sierra Safari shuts down for the season, but come Spring, owners say they may not have enough money to re-open.

General Manager Lori Acordagoitia says the zoo has an account with only about $8,000 dollars in it, tens of thousands of dollars under budget.

"At the very least, (we need) $60,000. That would be enough to make us squeak by," said Acordagoitia.

She says ticket sales are down by about 2,000 visitors a year, and donations are much slimmer than usual. But the animals at the zoo still need food and care.

The zoo houses about 150 animals, and all of them are becoming increasingly expensive to take care of

Acordagoitia says the cost of a of hay went from $8 to 10 dollars, to about $12 to 13 dollars per bale.

"Some of our animals, like the zebra goes through a bale in a week, but a larger animal might only take two days to go through a bale, so it's been really hard, she added.

So hard, that Acordagoitia says the zoo is having serious thoughts about shutting down. If it doesn't make enough money to make ends meet, she says, they'll have to find new homes the animals, and worst-case scenario, some could be euthanized.

"So heartbreaking to think about. A lot of these animals have been here since they were born and have deep relationships with a lot of our volunteers," said Acordagoitia, holding back tears.

If you'd like to donate to the Sierra Safari Zoo, visit their website at www.sierrasafarizoo.org