Plants for Animal Enrichment

We give our animals plant material for animal enrichment and to supplement their diet. This plant material is called browse.

Our Horticulture Department are responsible for the collection of browse and foliage for the animals at Adelaide Zoo. From Monday to Friday, our staff cut browse from the public or businesses that have trees which are usable and require pruning, seasonal trimming or removal.

The trimming and removal of branches for browse purposes is provided free of charge. We do not have the time or resources to do complete tree removals or pruning but will shape trees, leave the site in a tidy manner and stack cut logs.

Ideally each visit should provide us with a Ute load of browse material (approximately 15 branches, 2-3m long). It is preferable for our staff to cut the browse themselves to ensure it is at its freshest upon delivery to the Zoo.

Although we cannot generally transplant established plants for landscape use within the Zoo, any plants in pots or unusual or uncommon specimens would be considered.

Below is a copy of the browse material we use on a regular basis, with the Ficus species (Fig and Rubber) being the most commonly used.