It's not cheap to feed primates, lions, crocs and all manner of other critters.
No wonder news of government grants yesterday was a relief for the people at Hunter Valley Zoo.
Many businesses are doing it tough with the COVID-19 restrictions in play at the moment, but some face unique challenges when it comes to surviving the lockdown.
Hunter Valley Zoo owner Jason Pearson told Topics none of his business costs had changed, but coronavirus meant it no longer had its only source of income - visitors.
Animals still need feeding, vet bills have to be paid and electricity costs all add up.
"I'd hate to even think how good these holidays might have been if we'd have been able to open," Jason told Topics from a car containing several birds and kangaroos on Monday afternoon. "Going without any revenue for any form of business is a big ask."
Along with the job keeper scheme, which has meant he was able to keep his staff, Jason says the federal government's grant program for zoos - which will cover six months of food, healthcare and other welfare costs - is good news.
He told Topics the zoo's 30 primates consume $1000 worth of fruit and veggies each week (they eat market-quality produce, the kind we'd find on our dinner tables) and the same amount is spent feeding red meet to the four lions. And that's not to mention the many other creatures that draw crowds to the Nulkaba menagerie.
"It's thousands and thousands of dollars a week in food bills," Jason said.
"We can shut our doors but we can't eliminate our operating costs. The animals all have to be looked after."
Meanwhile, it seems the animals have noticed the lack of visitors in recent weeks.
"In our walk-through aviaries and our kangaroo yards and farm yard, when the keepers go in they get mobbed," Jason said.
"Those animals are used to having multiple people in there every day giving them attention and giving them a pat."
Tucker for dogs
Speaking of the welfare of creatures great and small, Animal Rescue Cooperative is working with Dog Rescue Newcastle and Pet Barn Foundation to run an outreach program for pooch owners affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The program will help dog owners who are doing it tough provide quality food for their four-legged friends. Details are on the Animal Rescue Cooperative Facebook page.
On your bike
Meanwhile, council is reviewing the Newcastle Cycling Strategy Action Plan and there's an opportunity for input from the community. The strategy aims to improve conditions for cyclists across the city.
Given reports of a spike in bike sales recently (it's an increasingly popular way to exercise while keeping up the social distancing) it's an issue that's worth some thought. If you want a say, look for it on the City of Newcastle website.
STAR SNAP
Self-isolation hasn't stopped Arnold Schwarzenegger from marking a special birthday. The former Governator celebrated the first birthday of his pet donkey Lulu this week - singing 'Happy Birthday' and feeding her treats in a video on Instagram. "Look at this," he said. "Are we not celebrating the birthday really great?"
WHAT'S ON
The third and fourth episodes of 'The Last Dance' - an inside look at the dynasty of the mighty Chicago Bulls of the 1990s - has been released on Netflix. The third instalment delves into the impact of the enigmatic Dennis Rodman on Michael Jordan's Bulls side as they faced a rough start to the 97 NBA season.
ODD SPOT
The city of Miami went seven weeks without a reported murder for the first time in more than 60 years, according to US media. CNN reported this week that no homicides were reported in the South Florida city between February 17 and April 12 - it was apparently the longest stretch since 1957.
