Geelong Botanic Gardens collaborates with Werribee Open Range Zoo for sustainability

Geelong Botanic Gardens is donating bamboo for Werribee Open Range Zoo animals to enjoy in a move that also helps the Gardens maintain their commitment to sustainability.

In a move towards sustainable resource management and environmental preservation, Geelong Botanic Gardens has donated approximately 12 cubic metres of Bambusa balcooa and Phyllostachys aurea bamboo varieties to Zoos Victoria.   

By keeping the bamboo out of landfill and redirecting it to Werribee Open Range Zoo, the Gardens is supporting the enrichment of zoo animals while maintaining our commitment to sustainability.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan noted “our collaboration with Zoos Victoria highlights the significance of working together to achieve shared environmental goals. 

“We can’t think of a better place than Werribee Open Range Zoo for our bamboo to be donated.”

Councillor Peter Murrihy, Chair of the Environment and Circular Economy portfolio added “the decision to donate the bamboo came from the need to address the impact of its growth on the heritage trees within the Geelong Botanic Gardens, particularly the Ginkgo biloba.

“Our Ginkgo biloba is a female tree and is an outstanding specimen, which is a native of China and by far the largest in Victoria and presumably Australia.

“We recognise the importance of controlling the bamboo’s expansion to ensure the protection of our heritage trees.

“By making species of significance our priority, the removal of any plantings that are inhibiting the natural growth is part of our obligation to protect this magnificent tree and others like it. As a result, we remain aligned with preserving our Botanic Gardens.”

For more information visit Geelong Botanic Gardens https://www.geelongaustralia.com.au/gbg/default.aspx

Image. Werribee Open Range ZooCredit: City of Greater Geelong