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.
Bronx Zoo winter hours 10 am to 4:30 pm.
Dawn M. Smith - A vet nurse, Dawn has worked in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation around the world in addition to her veterinary hospital ...
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