Jobs and Gross Domestic Product
A zoo of any size carries with it a series of operating costs that go directly into a local economy. According to a report from 2009, zoos that were members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) contributed 74,332 jobs to the United States economy, and with these jobs comes the associated annual earnings of zoo workers. According to the same report, zoos contribute $7.6 billion to the United States Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Capital Outlay for Construction and Utilities
As veterinary medicine continues to improve the lives of exotic animals in captivity, zoos require larger or improved facilities to house growing animal exhibits. Zoos contributed hundreds of millions of dollars to the United States economy in construction projects to improve zoo facilities. Zoos also have annual operating costs, such as electricity and water use, which totaled over $2 billion in 2007.
Cost of Veterinary Care
Zoos have become very successful at breeding and caring for animals in captivity. Many zoos are now facing the issue of "surplus" populations of exotic animals that require veterinary care, food and shelter, which can cost a zoo a minimum of $25,000 in veterinary costs over the course of an animal's lifetime, according to the "Journal of American Veterinary Medical Association." Zoo managers try to place these animals with other zoos, either domestically or internationally.
Tourism
Large zoos with fully updated facilities and a wide representation of exotic animals in exhibits that mimic their natural environments become attractive tourism destination for both domestic and international clientele. Tourists visiting a city for its zoo may also stay overnight in a hotel, buy meals and purchase other goods and services from local vendors. According to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the revenue generated from tourism provides $2.84 of benefit for the economy for every $1 spent by zoo management.