Take Action

Penguin

Everyday we have the opportunity to take action for our natural world.  We believe Small change = BIG IMPACT, below are some actions you can take to make an impact locally and globally.

 

ECO-CELL

Cell phones have a direct effect on animals and their habitats. A critical component of cell phones is a substance called coltan. 80% of the world's supply of coltan is found in the Congo-right in the middle of animal habitat. We have partnered with ECO-CELL and are collecting old cell phones and hand-held electronics to be recycled to reduce the need for mining in animal habitats. Items can be dropped off at Zoo Admissions.

Proceeds from this project go to G.R.A.C.E to care for rescued Grauer’s gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

 

Iowa Environmental Council (IEC)

The Iowa Environmental Council educates, advocates and builds coalitions to raise awareness, generate action and impact policy to make Iowa a better place to live, work and explore. Stay up to date and take action by joining their newsletter.

 

Plant.Grow.Fly.

Blank Park Zoo protects native pollinators through our conservation program Plant.Grow.Fly. (PGF)  In 2024, we celebrated PGF’s 10-year anniversary.  Currently we have over 2,060 registered pollinator habitats, creating an awareness that no effort is too small and that each one of us can do our part to help pollinators thrive just by planting pollinator friendly plants!

We invite you to join us to make a difference for pollinators. To get started visit www.plantgrowfly.com. Once you plant your garden, register it with the program. Information collected provides data about location, size, and types of plants. Whether you plant a single pot on your back porch or an entire prairie field, YOU can make a difference! 

 

Seafood Watch

Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Guides assist consumers in making ocean-friendly seafood selections. This is something we can do, right here in Iowa, to help keep our oceans healthy!  

 

Not A Pet

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Wildlife Trafficking Alliance, and International Fund for Animal Welfare’s Not a Pet campaign addresses all forms of illegal and unsustainable trade of live wildlife as pets and associated risks, like zoonotic diseases spread. Take the pledge today! 

 

Sustainable Palm Oil

Palm oil is now the most widely produced edible vegetable oil, and when produced sustainably, palm oil is our best option for an edible oil, requiring less land, pesticides, and fertilizers than other oil alternatives. When done unsustainably, millions of acres of rainforest are cut down each year to plant more oil palm. Check out the sustainable palm oil shopping app developed by Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to make sure you are purchasing products made with sustainable palm oil. 

 

UPCYCLE

Blank Park Zoo works with community conservation partners to remove invasive plants. This action creates space for native plants to thrive, improves water quality and provides food for pollinators. The plants are upcycled as browse for a variety of animals at the Zoo, such as giraffe, rhino, tortoises and a variety of bird species.

 

Zoo  Sustainability - What We Do To Take Action

  • Replacement of light bulbs from standard to LED.
  • Energy star appliances are used around the zoo; Drink machines, dishwashers, refrigerators