Auckland City Council
Media release

20 May 2008
Zoo to reward greenies on World Environment Day

Zoo visitors who kick their carbon habit on World Environment Day (5 June) by walking, cycling, or taking the bus to the zoo will be rewarded with half-price adult entry.

The offer encourages Aucklanders to stop and think about their travel habits and do something pro-active to help the planet. It is one of several zoo activities planned for 3 to 8 June in celebration of World Environment Day.
“We hope to see our car park near empty and the zoo busy with visitors who have taken up our challenge,” says Auckland Zoo director, Jonathan Wilcken.

“From the zoo’s perspective, every day is world environment day. Here in our own backyard and throughout the world, wildlife species are under serious threat because we’ve been unsustainably using natural resources, polluting the environment, and destroying natural habitat. However, every day, we all have the power to make greener choices to reduce our impact on the environment. In doing so, we help these animals and their habitats, and help create a healthier environment for ourselves and future generations,” says Mr Wilcken.

Sustainability tours

From 3 to 6 June (10am and 2pm), the zoo is giving Auckland businesses the opportunity to find out how to reduce their carbon footprint and “green up” their operations. They can take a free hour-long sustainability tour of Auckland Zoo with environmental co-ordinator Tess Doogue. Awarded the ISO 14001, the highest international standard in environmental management, the zoo now recycles 85 per cent of all zoo waste, has achieved a 350 tonne annual reduction in CO2 emissions, significantly reduced its water consumption, and introduced design and operational standards for all new buildings. It is currently in the process of comprehensively measuring its carbon footprint so that it can further understand and improve its performance. To book a tour (10 people per tour) email tess.doogue@aucklandcity.govt.nz or phone (09) 360 3800.

Places are limited.

Art for Conservation (5 to 8 June)
The evening of Thursday, 5 June (5.30pm) will see the opening of Art for Conservation at the zoo’s Old Elephant House.

This special three-day exhibition and sale of artworks by artist and zookeeper Justine Woosnam and. “support artists” – elephants Kashin and Burma and chimpanzee Janie – will be raising funds for the Amphibian Ark 2008 Year of the Frog campaign.

The free opening night features live music with The Blackbird Strings, but numbers are limited. To register to attend, phone (09) 360 3805 by 30 May.

Bring your love of art, animals, and your wallet. From 6 to 8 June artworks can be viewed from 11am – 3pm. Normal Zoo admission prices apply. From 2 – 8 June, the zoo’s gift shop Wild Zone will be running a native plant sale, selling ZooDoo fertiliser (produced on-site) and other garden-related products, with all profits going to the Auckland Zoo Conservation Fund.

NOTE: Half-price adult entry ($9) to walkers, cyclists, and bus users visiting Auckland Zoo on World Environment Day (Thursday 5 June) is valid from 9.30am to 5pm (last entry is 4.15pm).

Visitors will need to show bus ticket pass or pushbike to gain discount. Normal zoo admission prices apply for other visitors. Offer excludes school groups. Visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz for further information about World Environment Day activities, Auckland Zoo’s environmental policy, sustainability milestones and Green Team tips.

Ends

© Scoop Media