Zoo Atlanta raises its rates again

ATLANTA - Nearly a year after raising its admission fees to help offset a $5.5 million deficit, Zoo Atlanta said Friday that it&#39;s raising its rates again - by 50 cents - to generate more revenue. <br> <br> The zoo also laid off nine full-time employees and one part-time employee. Around the same time last year, 10 of the facility&#39;s 190 full-time workers were laid off. <br> <br> Despite finishing the fiscal year with a $1.5 million surplus, the cost-cutting measures were implemented to offset the sluggish economy and a significant drop in attendance after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. <br> <br> Attendance was 695,373 last year, down 154,627 from the 850,000 projected. <br> <br> The zoo&#39;s projected operating budget for 2002-03 is $15.6 million, down from last year&#39;s budget of $16 million. <br> <br> Since opening 14 years ago, Zoo Atlanta has been one of the most popular attractions in the city. The habitat houses 22 gorillas, including the offspring of the zoo&#39;s Willie B., who died in 2000. <br> <br> The new cost for admission to the zoo is $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for seniors and $11.50 for children 3-11.

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