At the Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens, conservation isn’t just about protecting wildlife—it’s about creating a sustainable future for the community and the planet. From eco-friendly practices at our Orlando zoo to participating in local conservation efforts, every step helps create a greener world for both people and wildlife.
Read on to learn more about what we’re doing to go green.
At the Zoo, every aspect of daily operations is designed with sustainability in mind, with many eco-friendly initiatives to reduce our environmental footprint while providing the best care for our animals and a greener experience for our guests. Some onsite sustainability efforts include:
Recycling programs: Everything from cardboard and metal to electronic waste is properly processed. Even small details, like using only biodegradable trash bags and gloves, tubeless toilet paper and recycling receptacles throughout Zoo property make a significant impact by reducing landfill waste.
The Zoo is also proud to participate in the ECO-CELL recycling program, to help protect endangered gorillas and their rainforest habitats. Guests can bring old electronics including cell phones, tablets, gaming systems, smartwatches, MP3 players, GPS, airpods/earbuds, VR headsets and digital cameras, and drop them off in an ECO-Cell bin at the front entrance of the Zoo. Each item recycled can generate up to $15 in donations, all of which go directly to conservation organizations who are saving gorillas in their native ranges.
Reducing plastic waste: Visitors won’t find plastic bags in the gift shop or plastic beverage bottles in vending machines. Instead, sustainable alternatives like paper bags, reusable totes, and aluminum water bottles are available. Even vegetable-based utensils, paper-based to-go containers, and lettuce cups for animal feed help us cut down on plastic pollution.
Energy efficiency: Optimizing energy use is an important part of conservation efforts. LED lighting throughout the Zoo reduces electricity use, while solar arrays, in partnership with Florida Power & Light, help offset the Zoo’s carbon footprint. Visitors driving electric vehicles can take advantage of EV charging stations in partnership with ChargePoint, and those who would rather bike in can use our bike racks.
Sustainability and conservation aren’t just about what happens within the Zoo—it’s about making a difference in the community beyond our gates. The Zoo and its team members actively participate in local initiatives and encourage guests to do the same.
On April 25, educators and outreach animals from the Zoo will be at Wekiva Island’s Earth Day celebration.
Then, on April 26, the Zoo will be celebrating Party for the Planet, our annual Earth Day event, where visitors can learn more about sustainability, conservation and ways to make an impact.
The Zoo is also partnering with Seminole County for the St. Johns River Cleanup on April 26. Staff and volunteers will roll up their sleeves to remove litter and debris from one of Central Florida’s most vital waterways.
The Zoo’s commitment to sustainability and conservation doesn’t stop with Earth Day. Throughout the year, the Zoo organizes and participates in multiple community cleanups. Whether it’s removing litter, restoring habitats or supporting wildlife initiatives, the Zoo is proud of its work for a sustainable future for the community, wildlife and our planet.
The Central Florida Zoo & Botanical Gardens believes that every small action adds up to a big impact. By working together, we can create a more sustainable future. You can learn more about all the ways you can help and start making a difference here.
Together, we can make a difference—one sustainable step at a time!
