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4. Fire and Rescue NSW partnership to aid Taronga Zoo animals - Video - Taronga Zoo

Fire and Rescue NSW partnership to aid Taronga Zoo animals - Video - Taronga Zoo

Published: 26 Apr 2022 07:06pm

Decommissioned fire hoses are finding new life as enrichment items at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, thanks to an environmentally friendly partnership between Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) and the animals’ keepers.
 
Under the partnership, decommissioned hoses from fire stations across the state are donated to zoo volunteers who then craft them into durable interactive features, known as ‘enrichment items’, for some of the zoo’s inhabitants.
 
Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience and Minister for Flood Recovery Steph Cooke said the recycling agreement benefits the environment, the community and the animals.
 
“Taronga Zoo plays an important role in animal conservation and the environment, and I am delighted to see local firefighters doing their bit to contribute,” Ms Cooke said.
 
Member for North Shore Felicity Wilson said the zoo is world-leading in conservation and recycling initiatives.
 
“I’m pleased this partnership with FRNSW will provide an amazing experience for animals through items like swings, feeding puzzles and hammocks,” Ms Wilson said.
 
FRNSW Acting Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said a big part of a modern firefighter's role is about protecting the environment.
 
“Efforts like this help make our communities better places to live by minimising our impact and reducing waste,” Acting Commissioner Fewtrell said.
 
“Our firefighters join FRNSW to make a lasting impact on their society and this is a perfect example of the type of innovation and collaboration we foster among our ranks.”
 
Taronga Zoo Chief Executive Officer Cameron Kerr AO said the successful partnership has the unique ability of helping animals while also cutting down on waste.
 
“The health and wellbeing of the animals in our care and the preservation of our planet comes in many forms, shapes and sizes,” Mr Kerr said.
 
“Through the generosity of FRNSW, not only have we been able to create unique enrichment items for the zoo residents but we have also reduced a considerable amount of landfill.
 
“On behalf of Taronga Zoo, I would like to thank FRNSW for its generous donations over the years.”
 
To date, more than 20 items including swings, feeding puzzles and hammocks have been made from the donated firehoses.

Footage and interview grabs can be obtained here:
https://vimeo.com/703150028/f299159016 [external link]

Updated: 10 Jun 2022 12:48pm

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