# CON

At Zagreb Zoo, we recognize the urgent environmental challenges our planet faces—climate change, habitat loss, and dwindling biodiversity—and we are dedicated to becoming a truly “green zoo.”

Sustainable development and responsible resource management are integral to our operations. Our commitment to nature conservation and research projects is evident through practical measures that reduce environmental impact and bring ecological and social benefits.

Environmental Management

Zagreb Zoo is proud to hold ISO 14001:2015 certification, underscoring our adherence to international best practices in environmental management. Since 2006, we have continuously improved our sustainability performance, striving to reduce our ecological footprint year after year.

Our key sustainability initiatives include:

Waste Management

We have significantly reduced the amount of waste sent to landfills—currently less than 3% of our total output. Over 20 different types of waste are actively recycled, including paper, plastic, glass, oil, metals, batteries, e-waste, textiles, and biodegradable materials.
Our ongoing goal is to further minimize waste and enhance recycling efficiency.

Energy Efficiency

To reduce energy consumption, we have installed LED lighting in 90% of our facilities and upgraded our heating systems, replacing oil boilers with a central pellet boiler and heat pumps.
Solar panels have also been introduced to supplement our energy supply.

These upgrades have significantly reduced CO2 emissions and increased energy efficiency.

Water Management

We closely monitor and optimize water use, quickly addressing any leaks and utilizing rainwater for sanitary purposes in select facilities. In the African aviary, a bio-filter system purifies 5 m³ of raw water daily.
In addition, our staff undergo regular training to encourage responsible resource use and foster an eco-conscious workplace culture.

Responsible Resource Use

We utilize specialized applications to monitor water, energy, and gas consumption, ensuring transparency and optimized usage. In collaboration with our suppliers, we have also made significant strides in reducing packaging waste—cutting down packaging materials by 2.5 tons in 2020 alone.

Green Infrastructure and Innovative Solutions

Green roofs help lower thermal loads, retain rainwater, enhance sound insulation, and filter air pollutants. These roofs are installed on several key buildings, including the African aviary, lion enclosure, interpretation center, and the “Microworld of Maksimir Forest” exhibit building. Additionally, the restaurant façade is adorned with a living green wall.

Sustainable pellet heating with minimal CO2 emissions is a testament to our eco-friendly approach. A central 156 kW boiler burns approximately 60 tons of pellets each year, significantly reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.

Rainwater collection and heat pumps further decrease resource consumption and contribute to energy sustainability.

Photovoltaic cells installed on the Rehabilitation centre building convert solar energy into electricity, with a capacity of 38.43 kW. This “solar power plant” features 126 solar panels, each with an output of 305 W. It is expected to generate around 42,952 kWh annually, helping to reduce non-renewable energy consumption and support sustainable energy production.

Visitor Education

As an institution that attracts visitors of all ages, we believe that education about nature and sustainability is crucial. Visitors have the opportunity to learn firsthand about environmental issues and the importance of species conservation, raising awareness of the collective effort needed to protect the environment.

Zagreb Zoo remains committed to advancing sustainable practices and setting a benchmark in environmental stewardship—not only for our visitors but for the broader community.

Summary:

Zagreb Zoo is dedicated to sustainable development and environmental protection, guided by a certified environmental management system. We implement energy-efficient practices, reduce waste, and actively educate our visitors about ecological responsibility. Through initiatives such as the use of renewable energy, bio-filters, and green roofs, we contribute to resource conservation and promote environmental awareness.