Bloomington, Indy Zoo partner on feeding program
Subscriber Benefit
As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe Now
The city of Bloomington has launched a pilot program with the Indianapolis Zoo that will help residents and homeowners get rid of invasive or undesirable plants while also helping to provide food to zoo animals.
The partners say invasive plants often crowd out native plants, decreasing biodiversity and altering the ecosystem.
The city will facilitate the process of connecting residents who would like to donate cut vegetation with the Zoo. Zoo staff will pick up donations directly from Bloomington residences.
“We are excited to partner with the city of Bloomington on the new browse program. Many of our animals at the Zoo, including elephants, bears, and red pandas, eat bamboo and browse from trees, even our three flocks of macaws enjoy it daily,” said Jodie Baker, general curator at the Indianapolis Zoo.
The types of plants that may be donated include:
- Yellow Groove Bamboo
- Callery/Bradford Pear
- Elm
- Alder
- White Mulberry
- Box Elder
- Certain maples
Residents who plan to remove any of the approved plants from their properties may offer to donate the cut vegetation to the Indy Zoo by signing up at this link, which provides detailed instructions.