The Magnetic Hill Zoo strives to...
inspire and promote action for the conservation of biodiversity. Biodiversity includes all living things—from plants and animals to fungi and microorganisms—and the habitats and ecosystems that support them.
Sustainable practices
Zoo staff strive to reduce the environmental impact of zoo operations through responsible practices.
- Reuse and waste reduction: washing and reusing feed containers, recycling bottles on site, and minimizing printing through online ticketing.
- Repurposed materials: reusing materials such as stones from the former Gunningsville Bridge in exhibit design, along with retired firehoses and household items for animal enrichment and camp activities.
- Sustainable products: using FSC-certified paper for zoo maps, offering paper bags and recycled-material products in the gift shop, and using biodegradable packaging and utensils in the restaurant.
- Visitor amenities: supporting lower-impact visits through LED lighting for Wild Lights, an electric vehicle charging station, and water bottle refill stations.
Conservation Organizations Financially Supported in 2026
Helping visitors learn
Education is an important part of conservation. Through programs, signage, and visitor experiences, the Magnetic Hill Zoo helps people learn about wildlife, habitats, and the small actions that can make a difference.
- The annual Year of ___ conservation campaign, which raises awareness and funds for species at risk that are also represented at the zoo. Previous campaign themes have included Woodland animals and Feathers & scales.
- Day camps and other educational programming.
- Behind the scenes experiences that connect visitors more closely with animals and their care.
- Keeper talks and interpreters, which provide opportunities to learn more about animals, habitats, and conservation in an engaging way.
