'The Bronx Zoo Is Also Empty, but the Animals Don’t Mind' diff viewer (10/11)

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Version 10	Version 11
The Bronx Zoo Is Also Empty, but the Animals Don’t Mind	The Bronx Zoo Is Also Empty, but the Animals Don’t Mind
2020-06-23 17:16:13 UTC	2020-06-23 21:06:32 UTC (about 4 hours later)
If a sea lion claps at the Bronx Zoo, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?	If a sea lion claps at the Bronx Zoo, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?
There is plenty of time to ponder koans these days at the animal park, where the coronavirus pandemic has left the sea lions, and the rest of its roughly 6,000 creatures, without an audience. In this busy season at the zoo, when people typically pack in — children atop their parents’ shoulders — to see the sea lions eat, there is no one standing at the pool railing.	There is plenty of time to ponder koans these days at the animal park, where the coronavirus pandemic has left the sea lions, and the rest of its roughly 6,000 creatures, without an audience. In this busy season at the zoo, when people typically pack in — children atop their parents’ shoulders — to see the sea lions eat, there is no one standing at the pool railing.
Or walking the pathways of Astor Court, with its Beaux-Arts buildings. Or sitting at the picnic tables. Or riding Wild Asia, the seasonal monorail that tours the habitats of red pandas, elephants and rhinos.	Or walking the pathways of Astor Court, with its Beaux-Arts buildings. Or sitting at the picnic tables. Or riding Wild Asia, the seasonal monorail that tours the habitats of red pandas, elephants and rhinos.
Still, the life of the zoo goes on, as the sea lions perform their routines, no doubt encouraged by the fish they swallow in a single gulp.	Still, the life of the zoo goes on, as the sea lions perform their routines, no doubt encouraged by the fish they swallow in a single gulp.
“The animals are blissfully unaware of what the rest of us have been going through,” said Jim Breheny, the director of the Bronx Zoo. “What I wouldn’t give for that innocence.”	“The animals are blissfully unaware of what the rest of us have been going through,” said Jim Breheny, the director of the Bronx Zoo. “What I wouldn’t give for that innocence.”
Unlike Broadway theaters or museums, zoos cannot go dark. Chinchillas need checkups. Penguin chicks might require help after they hatch. Captive tigers, alligators and grizzly bears probably shouldn’t be left to their own devices.	Unlike Broadway theaters or museums, zoos cannot go dark. Chinchillas need checkups. Penguin chicks might require help after they hatch. Captive tigers, alligators and grizzly bears probably shouldn’t be left to their own devices.
“The animals that we care for rely on us for everything,” said Mr. Breheny, whose first job at age 14 was staffing the zoo’s camel rides.	“The animals that we care for rely on us for everything,” said Mr. Breheny, whose first job at age 14 was staffing the zoo’s camel rides.
So since it closed to the public on March 16, the Bronx Zoo has been tending to animals while keeping its human employees as socially distant as possible. Roughly 300 workers of its 700-plus staff were deemed “essential” to care for animals and maintain the zoo’s operations. They are split in half into two teams, which report on alternating weeks.	So since it closed to the public on March 16, the Bronx Zoo has been tending to animals while keeping its human employees as socially distant as possible. Roughly 300 workers of its 700-plus staff were deemed “essential” to care for animals and maintain the zoo’s operations. They are split in half into two teams, which report on alternating weeks.
A spokeswoman for District Council 37, a union that represents zoo employees, said there had been no reports of layoffs or furloughs.	A spokeswoman for District Council 37, a union that represents zoo employees, said there had been no reports of layoffs or furloughs.
Workers who still report find themselves following the routines they always have: spreading hay out so the American bison can graze; offering fish to Magellanic penguins eagerly snapping their beaks; and releasing the lions to laze around on exhibit. Others, including maintenance workers, electricians and plumbers, keep the sprawling campus operating.	Workers who still report find themselves following the routines they always have: spreading hay out so the American bison can graze; offering fish to Magellanic penguins eagerly snapping their beaks; and releasing the lions to laze around on exhibit. Others, including maintenance workers, electricians and plumbers, keep the sprawling campus operating.
Mr. Breheny said the zoo’s mission right now is to keep the animals on a consistent routine. But its emptiness has not gone unnoticed, he added, by some primates.	Mr. Breheny said the zoo’s mission right now is to keep the animals on a consistent routine. But its emptiness has not gone unnoticed, he added, by some primates.
Last month, he took a moment to stop at one of the viewing spots for the baboon reserve, a two-acre space amid the 265-acre zoo designed to simulate the Ethiopian highlands. He said a group of geladas, monkeys with a crown of coffee-colored hair and upper lips that often flip up, moved toward him. He was likely the first human observer they had seen in a while, and they stared curiously at him through the glass.	Last month, he took a moment to stop at one of the viewing spots for the baboon reserve, a two-acre space amid the 265-acre zoo designed to simulate the Ethiopian highlands. He said a group of geladas, monkeys with a crown of coffee-colored hair and upper lips that often flip up, moved toward him. He was likely the first human observer they had seen in a while, and they stared curiously at him through the glass.
“They seemed to not understand why people aren’t here right now,” he said.	“They seemed to not understand why people aren’t here right now,” he said.
The goats and alpacas in the children’s seasonal zoo are particularly accustomed to interacting with visitors, said Patrick Thomas, the zoo’s associate director, in an email. Now the only people those animals see are employees.	The goats and alpacas in the children’s seasonal zoo are particularly accustomed to interacting with visitors, said Patrick Thomas, the zoo’s associate director, in an email. Now the only people those animals see are employees.
“I don’t think our animals’ behavior has changed all that much,” he said, “but I do think that they’re aware that things are not the same.”	“I don’t think our animals’ behavior has changed all that much,” he said, “but I do think that they’re aware that things are not the same.”
The Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium are also shut indefinitely. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs these institutions, paired its Instagram announcement with the image of a somber sea lion who appeared to be frowning under its whiskers.	The Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo and New York Aquarium are also shut indefinitely. The Wildlife Conservation Society, which runs these institutions, paired its Instagram announcement with the image of a somber sea lion who appeared to be frowning under its whiskers.
While shuttered, the Bronx Zoo has lent itself to assisting health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic. In its deserted parking lots are white tents set up to test employees of the nearby Montefiore Medical Center for Covid-19 and 250 ambulances sent from around the country to help in New York City, the epicenter of America’s coronavirus crisis.	While shuttered, the Bronx Zoo has lent itself to assisting health care workers on the front lines of the pandemic. In its deserted parking lots are white tents set up to test employees of the nearby Montefiore Medical Center for Covid-19 and 250 ambulances sent from around the country to help in New York City, the epicenter of America’s coronavirus crisis.
For veteran staffers, the eerie quiet that now pervades the park is reminiscent of the vacant feeling after the Sept. 11 attacks, when it also shut down temporarily. Other zoos across the country, which are generally closed, can find parallels in the aftermath of natural disasters, like the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.	For veteran staffers, the eerie quiet that now pervades the park is reminiscent of the vacant feeling after the Sept. 11 attacks, when it also shut down temporarily. Other zoos across the country, which are generally closed, can find parallels in the aftermath of natural disasters, like the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
For many zoos, revenue has flatlined, and there are concerns about their survival, said Dan Ashe, the president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Layoffs in the thousands are being announced. Zoos and aquariums hope to qualify for emergency loans from the Small Business Administration that were a part of the federal government’s $2 trillion stimulus package.	For many zoos, revenue has flatlined, and there are concerns about their survival, said Dan Ashe, the president of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Layoffs in the thousands are being announced. Zoos and aquariums hope to qualify for emergency loans from the Small Business Administration that were a part of the federal government’s $2 trillion stimulus package.
“At a time when they have no revenue coming in the gate, they have to operate the facility at 100 percent,” Mr. Ashe said.	“At a time when they have no revenue coming in the gate, they have to operate the facility at 100 percent,” Mr. Ashe said.
Another concern for zoos, which have had to grapple with growing criticism of keeping animals in captivity, is the connection between wild animals and the novel coronavirus, which experts say likely originated in bats. According to a fact sheet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent to scientists who study zoonotic diseases, the agency has not received reports of wildlife or other animals becoming sick with Covid-19 in the United States, and there is no reason to think animals might be a source of infection here.
Updated June 22, 2020	Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.	States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.	If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
	Another concern for zoos, which have had to grapple with growing criticism of keeping animals in captivity, is the connection between wild animals and the novel coronavirus, which experts say likely originated in bats. According to a fact sheet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent to scientists who study zoonotic diseases, the agency has not received reports of wildlife or other animals becoming sick with Covid-19 in the United States, and there is no reason to think animals might be a source of infection here.
Because humans and primates share genetic material and can potentially pass diseases between them, some zoos across the country had taken precautions before they closed, canceling behind-the-scenes tours where humans might be closer than usual to the animals, Mr. Ashe said. Even in the best of times, zookeepers in the Bronx have maintained a strict protocol of wearing masks and face shields around primates.	Because humans and primates share genetic material and can potentially pass diseases between them, some zoos across the country had taken precautions before they closed, canceling behind-the-scenes tours where humans might be closer than usual to the animals, Mr. Ashe said. Even in the best of times, zookeepers in the Bronx have maintained a strict protocol of wearing masks and face shields around primates.
The Bronx Zoo, which has long emphasized its ties to wildlife conservation, sees another purpose for itself during the pandemic: It is lobbying for a worldwide ban of the commercial trade of wildlife intended for human consumption. The Wildlife Conservation Society says the practice puts humans at risk of contracting diseases while trading live animals or eating fresh meat.	The Bronx Zoo, which has long emphasized its ties to wildlife conservation, sees another purpose for itself during the pandemic: It is lobbying for a worldwide ban of the commercial trade of wildlife intended for human consumption. The Wildlife Conservation Society says the practice puts humans at risk of contracting diseases while trading live animals or eating fresh meat.
According to a policy statement from the organization, such a ban would “significantly reduce the risk of a future zoonotic pandemic” and potentially prevent pandemics like Covid-19. Experts are investigating if the coronavirus passed from a bat to another animal that came into close contact with humans.	According to a policy statement from the organization, such a ban would “significantly reduce the risk of a future zoonotic pandemic” and potentially prevent pandemics like Covid-19. Experts are investigating if the coronavirus passed from a bat to another animal that came into close contact with humans.