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The North Carolina Zoo is a zoological park boasting over 1,800 animals across its 500-acre natural habitat. Uniquely, this state-funded zoo is one of only two such institutions in the entire United States.
But attention to detail doesn’t come free, and the zoo relies on public funding to accomplish its mission. “The zoo is constantly considering ways it uses resources sustainably,” Simmons explained.
The zoo uses recycled water for its gardens and animal enclosures, recycling oil-based waste, tires, and providing 6hr emergency generator standby power with their battery storage/solar project at the Vet Center (Figure 4). Their staff members are dedicated to reducing energy use through replacement with LED bulbs or battery storage/solar projects like those found at Vet Center providing 6hr emergency generator standby power (Figure 5). Furthermore, Horticulture grows plants that naturally occur on its property such as smooth coneflowers, green pitcher plants, Schweinitz sunflowers, and mistflowers to help eliminate buying in bulk (Figure 5).
Staff from the zoo work with local schools and community organizations to perform conservation work on its trails. An internal Trail Team plans and builds trails, while Phi Theta Kappa chapters at Randolph Community College and Future Farmers of America at Asheboro High School assist with maintenance.
As well as its efforts in North Carolina, the Zoo also works with communities in Uganda through its Uganda program. Partnering with schools to develop curriculum that explores cultural, economic, social and environmental ties between both nations.
