Canberra’s local zoo was recently recognised for its commitment to environmental excellence and climate action. Photo: Morgan Kenyon.
The National Zoo and Aquarium team is especially cheerful this month, having taken out the coveted Corporate Climate Leader title at the recent Bluebell Sustainable Business Awards.
This award is the ACT’s highest honour for sustainability in the zoo’s sector.
Corporate Climate Leader recognises an organisation that actively leads and delivers impact by embedding climate action across its operations, reducing emissions and influencing staff, suppliers and customers to be more climate-conscious.
National Zoo director and general manager Renee Nasserpour was immensely proud of her team.
“This award is an incredible achievement for everyone at the zoo,” she said.
“It’s recognition for everything that we do on-site, from educating our visitors and raising conservation awareness to energy efficiency, reducing emissions, waste and water management, animal welfare and sustainable innovation.
“We’re certainly inspired to keep striving for our ultimate goal of carbon neutrality and pave the way for the next generation of climate-conscious Canberrans.”
Special congratulations were also in order for local volunteer Sue Fallon. Nominated by the zoo for the Minister’s Award for Leadership, she was highly commended for her outstanding contributions to sustainability, conservation and animal welfare.
Sue Fallon and fellow volunteer Ann certainly aren’t squeamish and their “bin dives” help animals in need around the world. Photo: Morgan Kenyon.
The award highlights an individual who has gone above and beyond to inspire and lead others in climate-conscious efforts, both within their business and the wider community.
Sue is the driving force behind the National Zoo’s container deposit scheme initiative, which has kept more than 920,000 bottles, cans and containers out of landfill since 2018.
“We’ve managed to raise more than $92,000 in that time for animals in need all over the globe,” she says.
“It’s such a team effort. The support from the zoo has been enormous, not just from our volunteers, but from the wider conservation team, our zookeepers, leadership and of course, the guests as well.”
Monies raised are distributed by the National Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Team to a variety of animal welfare, rescue and conservation organisations.
Sue and her fellow volunteers are on track to reach one million deposited containers next year, which will equal $100,000 in donated funds.
“We’ve helped fund native animal rescue, treatment for elephants and rhinos who survived poaching, special beds for Moon Bears at the Animals Asia sanctuary in China … the list just keeps on going,” Sue says.
“I’m always blown away by how passionate Canberrans are about animals and the Earth. When you deposit your bottles and cans from home, please consider donating the funds raised to our zoo and help us reach our goal.
“Every animal deserves a chance to not just survive, but to flourish and this is one way we can help them do that.”
To donate your containers, visit your nearest Return It collection station, press donate and select the National Zoo and Aquarium Conservation Team (NZACT).
For more information, visit National Zoo and Aquarium Canberra: Conservation.
