Bronx Zoo Goes Green For the Holidays

Exchanging the Traditional Light Show for Daytime Winter Activities

Nov 21, 2008

A reindeer herd, horse drawn wagon rides, marshmallow roasting and ice carving replace nighttime lightshow to reduce the Wildlife Conservation Society's carbon footprint.

Benefits to the zoo-going public include more activities and more access to the animals than evening events allow. Benefits to the environment, particularly if others follow the Wildlife Conservation Society’s lead, will be a reduction in damage to the environment.

Clydesdales, Horse-drawn Wagon Rides, and Reindeer

The Wildlife Conservation Society calls it trading carbon footprints for hoof prints. Three Clydesdales will be at the Bronx Zoo throughout the holiday celebrations. In addition to the Clydesdales, a small herd of reindeer, so long associated with Christmas traditions, will be on site for close up viewing. For a special treat, there will be horse drawn carriage rides around the zoo offered throughout the day.

Children’s Zoo and Christmas for the Animals

In the Children’s Zoo there will be storytelling and the chance to meet some farm animals. Children will also be able to participate in making eco-friendly holiday cards and ornaments in a special craft workshop.

All through the holidays throughout the zoo visitors will be able to watch the animals open their Christmas presents. This provides a slightly different form of animal enrichment program which is designed to give the wildlife mental stimulation.

Ice Carving Demonstrations Start December 12, 2009

For four weekends in December the Bronx Zoo will feature ice carving demonstrations. Beginning December 12, the demonstrations will be taken to new heights on the 26th during an ice carving competition.

How the Change Benefits Wildlife and the Environment

Human carbon footprints have a far-reaching effect on the wild animals of the world. Oil and gas exploration damage fragile habitats such as the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Carbon emissions contribute to environmental degradation. Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of what is happening around the world, the Wildlife Conservation Society has chosen to lead by example in reducing their carbon footprint.

The simple step of changing from Christmas lighting gala to daytime activities is expected to save the sixty six metric tons of carbon emissions which is roughly the amount used by the average three person household in the United States.

While foregoing holiday lights altogether may be too austere for most families, cutting down on the number of lights and turning them on for fewer hours will also be effective. The money saved from the lower electricity costs can be donated to the Wildlife Conservation Society’s work in protecting critical wildlife habitat and priority wild animal species.

The copyright of the article Bronx Zoo Goes Green For the Holidays in Wildlife Conservation is owned by Dawn M. Smith. Permission to republish Bronx Zoo Goes Green For the Holidays in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Dec 10, 2008 10:25 AM

Guest :

I went to the day time event at the zoo.
Don't waste your money it was horrible.
I understand helping the environment, but they even got rid of the christmas tree in the zoo center.
What the tree at the zoo center had to do with the lights is beyond me.
save your money and go the ny botanical garden.
I for one will not be renewing my zoo membership

Dec 11, 2008 11:42 AM

Guest :

I really use to love the evening walk . I'm disappointed you've decided to cancel the event . You should investigate the use of lights that are more engery efficent. It was a very enjoyable evening . I won't be coming for the hayride .

Dec 30, 2008 7:57 AM

Guest :

I am very disappointed that there will be no holiday lights this year. I went to see the winter wonderland lights at night displayed by the historic hudson valley. It was eco-friendly, using resources that take up much less energy and power. It was fun, creative, but small. It would be nice if they could combine efforts with the zoo so we can be eco-conscious and have our holiday tradition back!