Conservation
Just some of the sustainability initiatives undertaken by Auckland Zoo
Water
- Water upgrades completed on the exotic bird section to ensure treatment of hose-off water from enclosures - further reducing risk of contamination to Motions Creek
- Resumed voluntary water quality monitoring upstream and downstream from the Zoo to assess any impact the Zoo is having on Motions Creek and Waitemata Harbour
- Water collection tanks installed to supply NZCCM building and exotic bird section with rainwater
Energy
- Solar and wind energy production devices installed to help power new Discovery and Learning Terrace
Waste
- Partnership with Envirofert established enabling the Zoo to divert 15-25 tonnes per month of green waste from Landfill
- Zoo-wide waste audit conducted
- Darwin's café plastic forks replaced with biodegradable wooden forks which are sent to worm farm to biodegrade
- WildZone gift shop replaced plastic bags with paper, biodegradable plastic and re-usable cloth bags
- Auckland Zoo's entire on-site chemical range reduced from 78 to 11
- Supplier of staff and public toilet paper and hand towels changed to 100% post consumer waste recycled paper that has Green Tick accreditation
- Zoo Music sponsorship agreement with Wild Bean Cafe included the provision of recycling bins for glass and plastic and 5 waste officers on-site for every concert to avoid waste contamination
- Auckland Zoo receives shredded office paper from various companies, which is used as orangutan bedding. This enables the companies to dispose of their paper waste responsibly, as orang utan bedding is composted at the Enviro-fert site. It also means that the Zoo does not have to purchase any additional bedding material - closing yet another loop!
Education
- Sustainability (history and current issues) teaching module created and delivered at the Discovery and Learning (Education) Centre at the Zoo
- Sustainability and Water - teaching module delivered
- Sustainability presentation to early childhood educators - how to educate on sustainability issues and how Auckland Zoo can be utilised as a resource for sustainability/environmental education
Management and training
- ISO 14001 accreditation achieved
- Auckland Zoo Green Team attended training day run by Landcare Research on Environmental Management
- Liaising with Auckland Council legal representative to ensure compliance with changing environmental legislation