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Vancouver Aquarium lays off nearly 350 workers due to coronavirus outbreak

Señor Cinco, a sea lion at the Vancouver Aquarium. Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium announced staffing cuts on Wednesday, after shutting its doors to the public over a week ago due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ocean Wise Conservation Association, which operates the attraction, has laid off 60 per cent of its workforce — about 343 employees, most of whom work in operations jobs such cafe service, interpreting, and marketing.

A small team remains on site to look after the 70,000 animals living at the aquarium and Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, also in Vancouver.

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“We can’t just lock the doors and turn off the lights,” like other attractions, said spokesperson Amber Sessions in an email to Global News. “We have our animals to care for.”

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As a result, the organization estimates it will lose $3.2 million per month in revenue.

– With files from Lauren Donnellan

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