Energy and Natural Resource Conservation Programs
As members of a large institution, we at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo know that we consume many resources in our daily operations. To minimize our impact, we have instituted comprehensive natural resource conservation programs. Here are a few highlights.
Recycling
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo's recycling program is extensive. We recycle everything from Styrofoam to office paper and cardboard to leftovers.
Land Use Conservation
When planning and building new exhibits and facilities, we emphasize minimum disruption and maximum preservation of trees and the natural environment.
Landscaping
- The Horticulture Department has an extensive program to reduce and conserve water for plantings on grounds.
- We primarily use native and drought-tolerant (xeric) plants for all landscaping.
- Our award-winning "No Water Garden" initiative has won accolades and followers from around the west.
- In the drought year of 2003 we were recognized for being able to reduce our water use by as much as 65%.
General Operations
- New 90% efficient boilers and roof-top heating units conserve major amounts of energy.
- We actively seek out and repair immediately any water leaks or drips.
- We prioritize work orders for conservation of energy and water.
- When replacing appliances, we purchase Energy Star labeled units.
- We use compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or other fluorescent bulbs where possible.
- Energy conservation is a major concern in the design of new exhibits.
- Electric carts are used for zero emission on-grounds transportation.
- Employees are formally evaluated on their participation in the Zoo's resource conservation program.
Animal Department
- The majority of pools are no longer re-filled daily, but on an 'as needed' basis instead.
- Automatic Nelson waterers have replaced animal water bowls and buckets that tip over or are underused. These new waterers provide just the right amount of clean drinking water on an 'as needed' basis.
- Outdoor exhibits with concrete floors are covered with mulch and spot cleaned to reduce the need for daily hosing and cleaning.
- Instead of hosing down exhibits daily, we now spot-clean daily, and then hose down and disinfect the entire area weekly.
- Public area floors are hosed down when necessary instead of daily.
- Zookeepers wash dishes once at the end of the day instead of multiple small washes throughout the day.
- We changed our penguin collection from cold-climate rockhopper penguins—that required energy intensive artic temperatures—to African penguins.
- We have chosen, or not chosen, other species to be in our collection based on their "energy" requirements.
- If there is enough natural light, we don't turn on the electric lights.
Web Site
Our web site creates a source for information that would otherwise be disseminated solely by paper and voice. Web site visitors can:
- Learn about recycling at the Zoo.
- Purchase advance e-ticket sales.
- Register for education programs.
- Renew or give memberships and donations with a virtually paperless transaction.
Community Outreach
The Zoo holds an annual EarthFest event to highlight what local groups are doing and what everyone can do to help conserve natural resources in their every day lives. Ten to 20 local groups are represented in this fun, activity-filled and educational event in June.
