Global environmental award for Wellington Zoo
Friday, 26 October 2018
Wellington Zoo is a winner on the international stage.
The zoo has taken out the inaugural environment sustainability award at the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (Waza) annual conference in Bangkok.
The conference was held at the Avani Riverside Hotel from Sunday until Thursday, with awards handed out on the final night.
It was the organisation's 73rd annual gathering, and had a theme of 'Wild at Heart' focusing on conservation, animal welfare, sustainable development, and women's equality.
**READ MORE:
* No CCTV footage of would-be monkey thieves
* Zoo chief executive gets NZOM**
Wellington Zoo chief executive Karen Fifield said the facility was commended for its own work and also for leading the way in helping other organisations achieve sustainability.
'This award belongs to everyone who has supported us making Wellington Zoo one of the most sustainable in the world and a true leader in this area,' Fifield said.
'At Wellington Zoo, we are guided by our kaupapa. We must look after our environment so all things will flourish.'
Waza council member Mike Barclay said Wellington Zoo had an unwavering commitment to sustainability, particularly through its community engagement, construction projects, and use of resources.
'Coupled with a focus on being an early adopter of sustainability efforts, this institution has been able to achieve several significant milestones, including reducing its waste-to-landfill rate, reducing water consumption, increasing its recycling rate,and becoming carbon-neutral since 2013.'