Conservation at the Zoo

Conservation Projects

Conservation Heroes

Conservation At Home

Part of the Houston Zoo's committment to conservation includes on-site programs to reduce resource consumption, to recycle both renewable and non-renewable resources, and to reduce pollution. 

The Green Practices Committee at the Houston Zoo began meeting in October 2002 to assess ways to expand earth-friendly procedures already in place and explore ideas for adopting additional programs that reflect and advance the Zoo’s conservation mission.

• Recycled-content paper is now being used for most of our promotional publications.
• Items like cardboard boxes, telephone books, shredded paper, 2 liter plastic bottles, paper feed bags, newspaper, and even used clothing are used for animal enrichment and husbandry purposes rather than being discarded and sent to landfills.  Eligible, unusable items are now being taken to recycling centers every other week with mixed paper and glass by members of the Zoo's Green Practices Committee.
• The Greater Houston Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers (GHCAAZK) earns money to support world-wide conservation programs by recycling aluminum cans collected and printer cartridges by Zoo employees and volunteers.
• The Houston Zoo has a recycling bin in our Natural Selections Gift Shop for collection of unwanted cell phones, batteries, and chargers. Our cell phone recycling program was launched in the Fall of 2003. As of July 2006 we have received over 1,500 phones from 30 states by mail alone. The Houston Zoo will donate 100% of the funds raised to Bat Conservation International, a non-profit organization devoted to conservation, education, and research initiatives. Find out more...

  Reduction and Other Environmentally Sensitive Practices

  • Increased use of electronic internal communications and double-sided copies has reduced paper consumption.
  • In December 2003 the first annual "paper conservation" tree was planted on Zoo grounds in recognition of a significant reduction in our annual paper consumption by converting to electronic versions of routine reports and communications that saves about 35,000 sheets of paper, equivalent to saving four to five mature trees!
  • Our Concessionaire has reduced consumption of paper and plastic products significantly by virtually eliminating distribution of straws and cup lids. They no longer use Styrofoam products or dispense individual packets of condiments in their two main restaurant facilities.
  • Our Horticulture Department is experimenting with rain barrels in staff areas to collect rain water for irrigation purposes. They are also testing organic fertilizers that are kinder to the environment.

  Construction

  • Increased efforts are now being made during construction and renovation projects to use resource-conserving materials and equipment whenever possible, e.g. both sleeping platforms in the new Spectacled Bear exhibit are made from plastic lumber, a wood alternative made from 100% recycled plastic and wood products.

  Personal Choices

  • Information is distributed to Zoo employees and volunteers regularly about green practices they can adopt at home. Learn how you can conserve at home.

  The Zoo’s Green Practices Committee is researching several additional changes to operating procedures that support the Zoo’s conservation ethic to protect and preserve the earth’s precious natural resources.