LIFE4ZOO: Zoo, water and circular solutions

In mid-May, another international working meeting of LIFE4ZOO project partners took place in Girona and Barcelona, ​​with the aim of developing and validating a circular water management system in zoos.

It was confirmed that the connection of research, technology and practice can bring concrete solutions for more sustainable water management. This is not a completely new technology, but a comprehensive and robust approach to the controlled use of water in the zoo as a whole. Unlike commercially available decentralized solutions, this system works with the entire area, which allows for better efficiency and lower operating costs. And above all, everything is in line with maximum safety for the animals.

First day: Current status, monitoring and strategy
The first day of the meeting was held at the University of Girona. The program focused on summarizing the current status of the project, presenting progress in both pilot locations and exchanging experiences from implementation.
In the case of Liberec Zoo, newly completed construction work was presented; the system is currently being filled with water and is being prepared for commissioning. Participants were able to see photos from the field, such as floating islands on the swan pond or photovoltaic panels that will serve as an energy source for the technology. A similar shift was also noted at Barcelona Zoo, where the installation of the technology is also being completed.

Day 2: Excursion and inspiration at Barcelona Zoo
The participants were directly at Barcelona Zoo, where during a field excursion they viewed the newly completed artificial wetland, which is the heart of the pilot system for treating wastewater from animal enclosures.
The zoo is testing various types and configurations of natural purification systems here. Vertical wetlands save space, but require pumping water. Horizontal wetlands operate on the principle of gravity flow, but take up a larger area. Various fillings are also being tested, from gravel to sand, as well as the effect of aeration on the purification efficiency.
The initial results are very promising, especially in terms of pathogen removal. The entire system functions as a pilot project that has the potential to inspire not only other zoos but also other public areas looking for environmentally friendly solutions for water management.