Business Interruption Insurance: Protecting Payroll When Zoos and Aquariums Need It Most

Zoos and aquariums are more than attractions, they are living institutions with ongoing responsibilities that cannot simply pause when disaster strikes. Animals still require care, life support systems must continue operating, and experienced staff remain essential regardless of whether guests can enter the facility. While many organizations focus on insuring buildings, exhibits, and equipment, one of the most important protections often receives far less attention: Business Interruption Insurance.

When the Gates Close, the Expenses Continue

Imagine a severe storm damages a zoo’s entrance complex, gift shop, and administrative offices. Or consider a fire that forces an aquarium to temporarily close while repairs are completed. Admission revenue immediately stops, memberships may be impacted, special events are canceled, and donor engagement may suffer.

However, many expenses do not disappear.

Animal care staff must continue feeding and monitoring animals. Veterinarians remain essential. Maintenance personnel must oversee repairs and protect facilities. Administrative teams are needed to coordinate recovery efforts and communicate with guests, donors, and stakeholders.

For many institutions, payroll becomes one of the largest ongoing expenses during a closure.

What Is Business Interruption Insurance?

Business Interruption Insurance, sometimes called Business Income Coverage, is designed to replace lost income and help cover continuing operating expenses when a covered property loss causes an interruption to normal operations.

The purpose is simple: to help an organization maintain financial stability while recovering from a disaster.

While coverage varies by policy, Business Interruption Insurance may help cover:

·         Lost revenue

·         Continuing payroll expenses

·         Rent or mortgage obligations

·         Utility expenses

·         Loan payments

·         Other ongoing operational costs

The goal is to place the organization in a financial position similar to where it would have been had the loss never occurred.

Why Payroll Matters

For zoos and aquariums, people are often the most valuable resource.

Experienced animal care professionals, veterinary teams, educators, life support technicians, and operational staff possess specialized knowledge that cannot be quickly replaced. If a facility experiences a prolonged closure and lacks the resources to continue paying key employees, it risks losing critical talent at the exact moment it is needed most.

Business Interruption coverage can help organizations retain staff during recovery, allowing them to:

·         Continue animal care operations

·         Maintain institutional knowledge

·         Prepare for reopening

·         Avoid costly recruitment and training expenses

Replacing experienced employees after a major loss can significantly delay recovery and increase operational costs long after repairs are completed.

The Unique Challenge for Zoos and Aquariums

Unlike many businesses, zoos and aquariums cannot simply lock the doors and suspend operations.

Animals require daily care regardless of visitor attendance. Aquariums must maintain life support systems. Conservation programs, breeding initiatives, and veterinary services often continue even when facilities are closed to the public.

This makes payroll continuity particularly important.

A property loss may prevent visitors from entering the facility, but it does not eliminate the responsibility to care for living collections and maintain critical infrastructure.

Reviewing Coverage Before a Loss Occurs

One of the most common mistakes organizations make is assuming Business Interruption coverage will automatically provide sufficient protection.

Leadership teams should periodically evaluate:

·         How long it would realistically take to rebuild or repair key facilities

·         Whether payroll expenses are adequately contemplated within coverage limits

·         Seasonal revenue fluctuations

·         Special event income dependencies

·         The impact of losing key staff during a prolonged closure

A recovery timeline that appears reasonable on paper may prove inadequate when construction delays, supply chain issues, or permitting requirements extend the rebuilding process.

Recovery Is About More Than Buildings

A building can be rebuilt. Specialized animal care expertise, institutional knowledge, and team continuity are much harder to replace.

The question every zoo and aquarium leadership team should ask is simple: If we were forced to close tomorrow, how long could we continue paying our people?