Zoos SA
Zoos SA is a non-government conservation charity, every visit, adoption, donation and ticket helps to save species from extinction.

Environmental sustainability is living within the limits of what the environment can provide. It’s about understanding the many interconnection between the economy, society and the environment. More so it’s about the equal distribution of resources and opportunities. Learn how you can reduce your carbon footprint and help wildlife.

Zoos SA Sustainability Projects

Energy

Over the last four years Zoos SA has put all the water feature pumps in exhibits, boards and all ponds and water features on programmable timers so that over a three year period we save 270,000 kWh is also the equivalent of 175 tonnes of CO2-e.

Water

In June 2014 Zoos SA partnered with SA Water and other high water users in South Australia to design a web based water management tool. This gives us real time data on our water use so that we can identify water leaks and unusual usage patterns that can be addressed quickly to deliver future water savings.

Recycling

New waste streams were progressively added to the list of items for recycling. Underutilised bays near the zoo’s workshop became a mini transfer station with recycling expanded to include solid and liquid organics, steel, concrete, timber, drink containers, plastic, cardboard, e-waste, medical waste and batteries.

The introduction of reporting allowed the zoos to benchmark improvements and also start charging tenants, such as restaurants and cafes, for their waste removal. With support from staff in separating waste for recycling, the improvements were dramatic.

In the first reporting year of 2009, the two zoos recorded a 54% recovery rate, with 228 tonnes of waste going to landfill and 197 tonnes recycled. By 2013 this had been progressively improved to the stage where only 79 tonnes went to landfill and 380 tonnes were recycled – a recovery rate of 82%.

Environmental Management Plan

The Zoos SA Environmental Management Plan (EMP) has been developed to guide future work and provide a clear direction towards effective and sustainable environmental management. Actions for environmental improvements and fundamental business efficiencies have been developed in line with the Zoos SA Strategic Plan and Five Year Business Plan. Adoption of the EMP provides an integrated framework for the future development of an Environmental Management System in the future.

Zero Waste has recently conducted a case study on Zoos SA’s sustainability efforts over the last few years which highlights our achievements.

Zero Waste Snap Shot Zoos SA

About Zoos SA

Zoos SA is a not-for-profit conservation charity that exists to connect people with nature and save species from extinction. Zoos SA acknowledges the Country on which we stand always was, and always will be, Aboriginal land and we pay our deepest respect and gratitude to Kaurna (Adelaide Zoo) and Ngarrindjeri (Monarto Safari Park) Elders, past, present and emerging. We undertake critical conservation work throughout Australia and acknowledge the traditional custodians of these lands.

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