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