Green Team

“Green Team”
Dr. Elizabeth Kaufman

The International Zoological Committee meeting held in December, 2008 included a lecture from Mr. Bernard Harrison, renowned Zoo consultant and former director of the Singapore Zoo on the newest “green” philosophy, of environmental sustainability and resource management, embraced by forward looking zoos worldwide. One of the major recommendations of Mr. Harrison was to establish a green team to put forward some of the latest practices inside the Zoo. . We did it, as an expression of our deep commitment to the environment and our responsibility to the world. The “Green Team” consists of Dr. Nili Avni-Magen (Head Veterinarian), Amar Sawachra (Elephant Section Head, Elephants), Michal Erez (Section Head, Birds), Idit Dror (Section Head, Australia), Shachar Kara (Elephant keeper) and Miriam Kishinvesky (Grasseater keeper) and they worked very hard to come up a protocol for the zoo. The team motto is: RRR: Recycle, Reduce, Reuse
Recycle – All the waste collected at the Zoo is separated into cans and bottles, organic matter and other waste. We make our own organic compost by mixing organic matter (Zoo Doo) from our animals, mixed with plant material producing an excellent fertilizer, great for gardening. Also, we are encouraging our staff to recycle and use less environmental unfriendly materials like nylon bags and disposable paper goods.
Reduce – Energy conservation reduction in terms of using less fossil fuel, electricity and water is a primary goal. We have put in efforts to reduce driving in the Zoo by increasing the efficiency of vehicle required tasks from all parts of the Zoo such as the security, veterinary and maintenance departments. This will also increase visitor enjoyment by reducing vehicle traffic and increasing air quality and child safety. We are also encouraging the use of public transportation by cooperating with the Israel railways by providing a discounted ticket to visitors who come by train.
Reuse – The Zoo has invested in a water purification facility, allowing reuse of waste water for gardening purposes. This helps us to conserve water by separating drinking water from other water and allowing waste water to be used for plants. The Zoo grounds contain hundreds of edible plants for the animals like carob, olive and date palms. Pruned branches are dispersed daily for animal enrichment and food source. The unused parts are used for the covering of flowerbeds, helping retain humidity and prevention of weed growth.
Future plans include incorporating products like paper bags, new disintegrating nylon bags, cleaning products and insecticides that are environmentally friendly. New exhibits will be built along "green" lines such as solar energy and environmentally sustainable construction. As always, the Zoo strives to be a green lung in the heart of the city, dedicating its efforts towards wildlife conservation, breeding and reintroduction of endangered species and raising public awareness. We hope that you, our Zoo members, will join us in the effort to when you are visiting the zoo. Here is how you can help in a small way:
• Throw your waste into the proper bins placed around the zoo. The Zoo shop now a container for dispersing used batteries. Bring them here on your next visit.
• Buy our "homemade" organic fertilizer in the Zoo gift shop and don’t worry, it is very attractively packaged!
• Think green!