Underpinning all of Wellington Zoo’s work is a commitment to safeguarding wildlife and their habitats, as exemplified by the zoo’s full-fledged support for the FSC system.
Their unwavering commitment to affecting enduring constructive change in society and the environment is evident in all facets of the zoo’s work.
Through their ‘Green Zoo, Green You’ sustainability program, the zoo has taken great strides to ensure that its operations and infrastructure are both environmentally and socially responsible. This includes a commitment to using forest-friendly FSC-certified wood and paper products, reducing waste, composting and reusing building materials, using energy-efficient lighting and heaters, and collecting more than 300,000 litres of rain for bathrooms and cleaning.
Through the Green Zoo, Green You initiative, the zoo strives to inspire and motivate its visitors to adopt environmentally responsible practices in their lives.
Wellington Zoo also places great importance on promoting thriving, healthy forests, demonstrated by their longstanding partnership with the FSC. The zoo not only stocks numerous FSC-certified products in their Zoo Shop but also employ FSC-certified and recycled materials when constructing animal habitats and other structures throughout the zoo.
Since obtaining a FSC promotional license holder status in April 2018, the zoo has been educating visitors about the importance and meaning behind the FSC label and actively encourage visitors to seek out forest-based products with the FSC check tree label, such as toilet paper, books, furniture, and other forest-based items.
On their support of the FSC system, CEO of the Wellington Zoo Trust Karen Fifield notes: “Wellington Zoo lives by the kaupapa (principles) ‘Me Tiaki, Kia Ora’, which means that we must look after our planet so that all life can thrive. Supporting FSC and sustainable forestry help us to live our kaupapa. FSC guides our decision-making from procurement policies and construction right through to our visitor experience messaging.”
FSC ANZ CEO Melanie Robertson celebrates their work, stating: “Wellington Zoo’s advocacy to raise awareness about the importance of safeguarding the world’s forests and the individuals and animals dependent on them is a source of pride for FSC.
“They offer a fantastic opportunity for visitors to dive into the world of sustainability, conservation, and FSC’s responsible forestry standards in an exciting and enjoyable way to do it.”
Wellington Zoo has again been recognised for its commitment to promoting positive animal welfare as it achieves its third consecutive accreditation through the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia (ZAA).
Achieving this accreditation solidifies Wellington Zoo’s position as a world leader in animal welfare.
“We are incredibly proud so have achieved this accreditation once again,” says Simon Eyre, manager of animal science at the zoo.
ZAA’s accreditation includes application of the Five Domains Model to assess whether positive welfare is occurring within the zoo. ZAA members are assessed for accreditation every three years, a process that incorporates the latest in animal welfare science.
Simon Eyre says: “The ZAA accreditation lets our wider community know that the animals at Wellington Zoo are given first-class care so that they can live fulfilled lives full of positive experiences.”
“This is a reflection of the commitment, passion and hard work that goes on behind the scenes, to ensure we are supporting a good and full life for the animals in our care.”
Wellington Zoo has a large team of skilled staff, all involved in ensuring the welfare needs of its animals are met. The zoo has an animal science team, which includes a nutrition specialist, a specialist veterinary team, and an animal welfare committee, which supports and guides the team who provide daily care for every animal.
The accreditation – and the FSC license – also recognises Wellington Zoo’s significant contribution to conservation through involvement in breeding programs, learning, onsite advocacy, supporting in-situ conservation and much more.
Check out the Wellington Zoo to learn more about the fantastic sustainability initiatives and commitment to supporting FSC-certified responsible forestry.
- Extracts from FSC ANZ
