Going Green At The Zoo

About once a year we try to make a trip to the zoo. The closest zoo to us is the Cincinnati Zoo. Not only is it one of the oldest zoos in America it is also about 65 acres in size making it a pretty good size. We both really like animals and it is good to go and see what you are trying to save with the changes in your lifestyle. We didn’t get to go the zoo last year due to both of us starting new jobs and not having the time off to go. So I was met with a few surprises this year when we went.

We went to the zoo yesterday while it was raining and a bit chilly. It is great to go to the zoo when it is raining because you just about get the place to yourself. But we did get to park under these big solar awnings!

And From Underneath:

I was really pumped to see this. But it only got better. As we walked up to buy our tickets I saw a recycling bin only this on was a bit different:

Finally we have a place to recycle all of those phones that get replaced ever year, or sooner.

As we were walking around almost alone and pointing out all of the animals, that seemed more active than normal, I saw this:

Yes a solar paneled composter for all of the nasty food that you can buy at the zoo (they really need some healthier options thought they do allow you to bring your own food from home).

As we walked along we saw an exhibit that showcased and explained all green things going on at the zoo and things that you can do at home. In the middle of it all was a vertical axis wind turbine:

The wind wasn’t blowing at the time so we couldn’t see it move much. There were solar panels all around the wind turbine as well:

And that is my girlfriend, also known as The Boss,
hiding under her umbrella.

This was all very refreshing. It sends a beam of hope right through my heart to see something large like the zoo going green. It’s a beautiful thing to see. On the way out we saw a place to recycle the zoo maps they give you on every trip.

(On a side note: I really enjoyed the animals as well. We got to feed the giraffes; one of them licked my hand. It wasn’t all about the green but the green is a terrific bonus.)