Calgary Zoo and Parks Partner Up to Give Urban Tree Waste a Second Life

Calgary Zoo and the City of Calgary's Parks and Open Spaces department are partnering to repurpose urban tree waste, turning it into enriching habitats for the zoo's animals. This initiative not only reduces waste but also enhances the animals' living conditions.

The partnership involves the collection of browse (tree branches and leaves), wood, and caragana plants from Calgary's urban forest maintenance program. These materials are then used to create enriching habitats and food sources for the zoo's animals. Volunteers and staff from the zoo have been instrumental in sorting and preparing these materials for use.

According to Katharine Varzé, Horticulture Manager of the Wilder Institute / Calgary Zoo, 'Whether it’s fresh browse for animals to eat or larger logs that become part of their habitats, there are lots of ways we can put this material to use. It’s pretty special to see trees from Calgary’s urban forest find a second life here at the zoo.'

This project is a practical example of how local government and community organizations can collaborate to create sustainable practices. For residents and visitors alike, this means that the zoo is not only a sanctuary for wildlife but also a place where urban sustainability is actively promoted.

So, the next time you visit the zoo, you might just see a giraffe munching on a branch that once stood in a Calgary park. This initiative is a win for both the animals and the environment, offering a tangible way for the community to support wildlife conservation.