The Cincinnati Zoo Elizabeth Mages, Luke Shafer, Allison Walke

Overview Background/History Representatives at the Zoo Successfully Completed Projects Current Projects Why Should You Donate to the Zoo?

Background/History

Background The Cincinnati Zoo rates as one of the best parks in the nation by peer zoological parks 1.2 million people visit the Zoo annually

History The Zoological Society of Cincinnati was founded in 1873 and opened in nd oldest Zoo in the United States The Zoo was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1987

Work in the Community The Zoo hosts a four-year college prep program—Zoo Academy Over 300,000 students participate annually Leading non-formal science educator in Southwest Ohio

Mission Serving Community was added to the mission statement of the Cincinnati Zoo The Zoo recognizes the responsibility to partner with diverse and economically challenged communities in daily work

Vision “Inspiring Passion for Nature and Saving Wildlife for Future Generations”

Representatives at the Zoo

Fia Cifuentes Sustainability Coordinator Took us on tour of Zoo and showed us exhibits and work they’ve done in the community Directly showed us sustainability sites

Thane Maynard Director of the Zoo Thane is so proud of the work the Zoo is doing for sustainability Biggest goal: show community that sustainability means saving money Upgrading his own house to LEED standards

Successfully Completed Projects

Solar Panels Largest publicly accessible urban solar array in US at the time it was installed! Still the largest solar array in their industry Produces 20% of zoo’s energy Huge educational aspect – especially for children Major components manufactured locally – boosted local economy

LEED Building standard award for sustainability Based on: Sustainable Site, Materials & Resources, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy & Atmosphere, and Innovation & Design Process 2006 commitment – all new buildings follow LEED standard

LEED LEED Platinum (highest rating) – Historic Vine Street Village LEED Gold – Pavilion, Gift Shop, Cat Canyon LEED Silver – Education Center, Shipping/Receiving

Vine Village “Going green” education area Shows guests what they can do to be environmentally friendly at home Interest has grown over past 2-3 years

Green Classes 2011 – free classes to employees, members, guests Topics included: Sustainable Food Energy Efficiency E-Waste Recycling

Polar Bear Challenge Icon for climate change – habitat is threatened Event to raise money for CREW’s Polar Bear Conservation Project Aims to increase understanding, encourage reproduction, and conserve natural environment 2013 – Cincinnati raised $38,345

Water Reduction 2005 – consumed 220 million gallons 2013 – consumed 73 million gallons Reduction achieved through fixing leaks and changing mindset of employees

Composting Animal waste used to be taken to Rumpke 2010 – partnership with Marvin’s Organic Gardens to compost themselves Zoo keepers are eager to help!

Base Camp Cafe Greenest Restaurant in America 4 stars from the Green Restaurant Association Need a minimum of 300 points; Base Camp Café received 460 Aquapontics System Greenhouse Raising fresh fish and plants together

Current/Future Projects

Living Building Challenge Green building certification program Petals – Site, Water, Energy, Health, Materials, Equity, and Beauty African Painted Dog exhibit opening in June 2014 expected to get at least Petal status Possibly get fully certified – only 5 in the country

Food Garden Education – shows guests they can grow food at home too Food given to animals for enrichment

EcOhio Partnership with EcOhio to grow organic produce to use at the zoo Also partners with Green BEAN Delivery Service Organic food is also supplied to Gabriel’s Place – a local organization in Avondale

Retention Tanks Located under new Africa exhibit Collects water to be filtered into exhibits like the Polar Bear exhibit Can store up to 13 million gallons of rain water

Community Outreach Remodeling vacant homes in Avondale and were able to recycle 85% of the buildings Working with Habitat for Humanity – create sustainable homes in Avondale

Sustainable Shopper A web app built by the Cincinnati Zoo Lists products made with Certified Sustainable Palm Oil Protects rainforests and wildlife that are damaged by palm oil production

Project Passenger Pigeon The extinction of the passenger pigeon 100 years ago is used as a lesson Partnering with over 160 institutions to promote conservation to protect wildlife

Why Should you donate money to the zoo?

Possible donation projects Community outreach programs Food ministry Educate Avondale children on sustainability Taking Root Campaign – plant 2 million trees by 2020

Reasons why the zoo is a great local organization 2012 USA Today Travel Reader’s Choice Awards: Ranked #2 in nation Ranked in the top 3 Zoo’s in America by Frommers and Zagat Great demonstration through the windmills and keeping guests active in sustainability

Questions?

Sources es/news/ecohio-farm-in-april/ es/news/ecohio-farm-in-april/