Sustainable Design
Wildlife West is dedicated to sustainable design and construction practices. Unlike many conventional zoos, we have made a concerted effort to minimize our disturbance of the ecosystem to the maximum extent possible, preferring to seek harmony between our designs and the environment in which they are placed. Wildlife West has a certain advantage to this; since all our captive species are native to the Southwest, they are generally already well-adapted to the environment in which they live.
Most of our habitats contain native vegetation - grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees - because we have generally sought to enclose natural habitat rather than attempt to re-create conditions that are similar to what the animals would experience in nature. Of course, some modifications are necessary, but we work to minimize the difference.
Wildlife West is located in a Southwest United States environment, and that means water is always an issue. When it is necessary to disturb the natural landscape, we seek to do so in a manner that is consistent with the existing configuration and helps direct water to the places where it is most needed. We also maintain a xeriscape garden for display and educational purposes.
Recycling
Whenever possible, Wildlife West uses recycled or previously used materials for our construction needs. This not only gives our park a delightfully rustic look and feel, but helps to avoid the ecological disturbances associated with obtaining new wood, metal, and other materials needed to construct our buildings and habitats. Our bean barn and our bird habitats are constructed of approximately 90% recycled materials. We have also made extensive use of tire walls - walls constructed of tires and covered with stucco, including the wall adjacent to our main entrance as well as those associated with our pond and the racoon and javelina habitats.
Water Harvesting
Wildlife West has always practiced water harvesting by configuring the landscape to direct rainfall to areas in which it is most needed. In 2008, we plan to install a 10,000-gallon ferroconcrete cistern to collect rainwater from the roof of our amphitheater. Combined with projects in other areas of the park, this will help us move toward our goal of using rainwater as the primary source of water for all animal care and cleaning activities within five years. Construction of the cistern will allow an opportunity to provide training to local citizens in the construction of ferroconcrete cisterns and the associated plumbing. Future plans may include installation of waterless urinals and composting toilets, as appropriate.
Organic Gardening
In cooperation with the Rio Grand Heritage Farm, Wildlife West will begin a community organic gardening workshop based on the principles of Square Foot Gardening. The program will include classes and actual community gardens. Scheduled to begin in 2008, the curriculum will include trainng for adults and a series of 10-12 square foot gardens to be planted and maintained by local children. Initial enrollment for the childrens' program is anticipated to be 40-50, with teams of four children managing each garden. Kids' teams will be asked to commit to caring for their gardens twice a week. A nominal fee for water use may be assessed.
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