Current conservation projects at the zoo include:

GEM:  The GEM is our electric vehicle used on the zoo grounds.

Photovoltaic Fueling Station:  This station is constructed outside our main building and the solar panels bring in the required power to charge the GEM.

Solar panels on barn:  A solar panel and storage system supplies up to 60% of the required hot water load in our barn.

Café Composting:  Our café area separates and composts all food waste.  Our recycling station is set up to help guests separate their waste.

Recycling:  Stations are set up around the zoo, so far we have found success with bins that people can see through.  If the public can see what is actually in the bin, they are more likely to put items in the correct receptacle.

Vermicomposting:  Animal waste from the zoo is put in a compost area where red worms do their work.  The finished product is then a rich fertilizer that may be used by the community.

Adopt an Acre:  Visitors can pick up a brochure and send in their own donation to protect an acre of rainforest.  All proceeds from this enable CES (Center for Ecosystem Survival) to buy, and protect land in the rainforest.

Rainforest Meter:  Our zookeepers purchased the “parking” meter which is set up in the primate center. All donations go to help buy critical land in the rainforest through CES.

Computer ink recycling:  The staff at the Lake Superior Zoo recycles all their printer ink cartridges.

Cell phone recycling:  The Lake Superior Zoo is a drop off site for used cell phones which are then recycled.

Snow Leopard Trust:  Works with local herders in Snow Leopard territory to protect the herders traditional ways of life and support their families without them resorting to poaching.  The hand-crafted items made by villagers are for sale in the gift shop.

Song Bird Coffee:  This shade-grown, fair-trade organic coffee is for sale to the public through the zookeepers, and used in our café.  Shade-grown coffee helps keep song-bird habitat from being destroyed.