CHOO CHOO CHEW – BAMBOO FOR THE ZOO

In a win-win for the environment, Sydney Trains has teamed up with Taronga Zoo to provide bamboo from the rail corridor to feed Red Pandas and supply the Gorilla, Chimpanzee and Elephant exhibits.
 
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean joined Sydney Trains Acting Chief Executive Suzanne Holden and Louise Ginman, Unit Supervisor of Carnivores at Taronga Zoo for a special feeding session to mark the partnership.
 
“It’s fantastic to see Sydney Trains taking the initiative to supply this bamboo to the Zoo, where it can be used as a food source and for exhibits, rather than landfill,” Mr Constance said.
 
“This is a really innovative solution that has turned a waste problem into a valuable resource solution.”
 
Minister for Energy and Environment Matt Kean welcomed the donation of bamboo and applauded Sydney Trains commitment to biodiversity.
 
“Sydney Trains work in the rail corridor to regenerate natural bushland will not only improve the quality of the habitat for native species it’s also helping Taronga Zoo, one of Sydney’s most iconic attractions, to manage its feed costs, Mr Kean said.
 
Under its Environmental Management System, Sydney Trains has committed to reducing potential biodiversity impacts, which includes golden bamboo, as it is a highly invasive, noxious weed.
 
Sydney Trains Acting Chief Executive Suzanne Holden said a large stand of golden bamboo was identified in the rail corridor at the Warrawee Biodiversity Offset Site in early August.
 
“The bamboo is being cut over a period of weeks so it can be delivered fresh, as needed by the Zoo.   Sustainability is one of our key commitments and we’re very proud that our Engineering and Environment team has found a way to improve biodiversity on our land and support Taronga Zoo at the same time,” Ms Holden said
 
Louise Ginman from Taronga Zoo said golden bamboo is difficult to find in Australia in large amounts because it is a pest.
 
“We require 5475 sticks of bamboo per year to keep our animals healthy and happy, and appreciate this assistance from Sydney Trains. We look forward to continue working together to identify any other weed species that could be useful.”