Conservation
Horticulture
* Auckland Zoo horticulturalists work under a "herbicide reduction policy", using herbicides as minimally as possible. The majority of weeds are pulled by hand in the gardens. When chemicals are used, they are used sparingly and in dry weather to prevent leaching.
* Plant material from
weeding and pruning is put directly into a large bin or collected
in biodegradable bags, rather than plastic bags, and sent to a
composting centre.
* A lot of irrigation is automated so that it can be used only as necessary for set periods. A portion of irrigation uses water caught and stored from the roofs of buildings.
* Plants are 'climate appropriate', minimising resources required for ongoing care and maintenance.
* Existing plants are transplanted and materials recycled, as appropriate, for new zoo projects.
* Tree prunings, branches and old browse are chipped on-site to create mulch. This is then used on the gardens to prevent weed growth (minimising the need for chemical herbicides) and to trap moisture (reducing water required for irrigation).