CEO confirms layoffs at South Carolina Aquarium amid coronavirus pandemic

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCIV) — The South Carolina Aquarium has reached a breaking point because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Thirteen employees were let go this week, according to South Carolina Aquarium President and CEO Kevin Mills.

Those employees were from all departments including education and animal care.

The reason was a lack of revenue because of the pandemic, Mills confirmed.

Leaders at the aquarium have been working to make budget cuts since the pandemic began, but say a point was reached where layoffs had to be done.

Eighty-five employees remain on the Aquarium staff. Many are working in blended departmental roles.

Officials at the Aquarium hope to bring "as many back, as quickly as possible", once the economy recovers, Mills said.