The Green Zoo                                                                 

As of 2008, the Indianapolis Zoo is a 100% green user of electricity through Indianapolis Power & Light Company's Green Power Option. Green power is an option provided to the Zoo by the Indianapolis Power and Light Company that helps support the development of renewable energy sources, which eventually helps reduce our reliance on fossil-fueled power. Some sources of green power through IPL are wind facilities and biomass/landfill gas facilities. The Zoo wants to help lead the conservation charge. And this is one small way in which we can contribute.  Residential customers interested in the green power option can expect the average increase in their power bill to be about $2-$3.50/month. Customers can participate at one of four levels – 100%, 50%, 25%, or 10% of your monthly electrical usage. Click the Green Power logo for more information.

As of 2009, the Indianapolis Zoo is a member of the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce's Green Business intiative.  The Zoo scores very high among local businesses in its programming and commitment to environmentally safe and sustainable practices and operations.  Many different items are considered to achieve this designation, including reduction of paper usage, recycling, using eco-friendly products, reducing lighting, unplugging unused appliances, rain recovery systems, water recovery systems in our water facilities, and many more.  For more information on this initiative, click here.

The Indianapolis Zoo internally recycles all its recycable paper, corrugated cardboard, aluminum, newspaper and mulch thanks to our official recycling partner Ray's Trash. We use landscape and tree trimmings as enrichment for some of our animals. In 2008, we recycled 6.5 tons of paper, over 4 tons of glass, aluminum cans and plastic, 65 pounds of batteries, 482 pallets, 520 yards of wood, 200 yards of garden waste, 524 cell phones, and 24 tons of carboard. 

In the fall of 2008, the Indianapolis Zoo began an herbivore manure recycling program. Partnering with Ray’s Trash Service, our manure is taken to a special facility located in Indianapolis.  There the manure is composted and turned into fertilizer—completing the natural cycle.

We encourage everyone to recycle, and here's how you can help: 

• We would like our guests to join us and Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance improve our environment by recycling their Zoo maps when possible. As you exit the Zoo, please deposit your map in the glass box supported by Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance. Thank you!
• Did you get a new cell phone and you’re not sure what to do with your old one? The Indianapolis AAZK (American Association of Zoo Keepers) Chapter recycles cell phones through Eco-cell. All of the money raised goes to wildlife conservation and research. You may ask yourself why should you recycle your cell phone? Well, that’s easy! Cell phones contain toxic substances that include lead, copper, and zinc that are harmful to the environment. So, next time you are at the Zoo, please drop your cell phones off at the admissions booth. For more information about Eco-cell, please visit www.eco-cell.org. For more information about AAZK and our partnering with Eco-cell, please contact Tammy Root at (317) 630-2072 or at troot@indyzoo.com. 
• In 2009, the Zoo hosted its first ever eletronics recycling event in partnership with Recycle Force.  More than 17 tons of materials was collected!  Stay tuned to this site for news of additional recycling events at the Zoo.              

More Information:

• Follow the Work
  of Zoo Vet
  Dr. Jan Ramer with
  Gorillas in Africa
• The Green Zoo
• Hix Institute
• Zoo Research
• Indianapolis Prize
• My Carbon Pledge presented by Duke Energy
• Global Initiatives
• Zoos & SSPs
• Ocean Conservation
• More on Conservation