Paignton Zoo Wins Green Environmental Award

By Philip Knowling 

Paignton, UK - Paignton Zoo Environmental Park has won more green awards.

The Zoo was a winner twice over at the Devon Environmental Business Initiative awards this year. The registered charity won both the award for sustainable tourism and was also declared the overall winner.

The awards ceremony was held at the Met Office in Exeter. Awards were presented by Dr. Richard Creswell of the Environment Agency. DEBI is a charity set up by business people to help inform, support and motivate Devon businesses in their efforts to adopt environmentally sound policies and practice.

Curator of Plants and Gardens Kevin Frediani said: “Winning these awards is very important to us. We try to set a good environmental example to our half million annual visitors and to other businesses in Devon. Being green saves money and resources, so it is good for the planet and good for business. This is a tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm of our staff, volunteers and trustees.”

Andy Vickery, Chairman of DEBI, said: “DEBI is delighted with the response from Devon’s businesses. The quality of entries this year was higher than ever. It is clear that Devon really is at the forefront of pushing the green agenda, with many businesses keen to show they are improving their environmental credentials. Competition this year was very strong and I would pass on my congratulations on to all those who entered.”

Paignton Zoo is a member of the Green Tourism Business Scheme and was recently voted the best sustainable zoo in the UK by BIAZA, the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria. It holds the ISO14001 international environmental standard.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. For more information go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk or ring (01803) 697500.

Paignton Zoo is a member of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums. For further information please telephone 020 7449 6351.

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a registered charity. Registered office: Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, Totnes Road, Paignton, Devon TQ4 7EU. Registration number 792877. Registered charity number 300923. Place of incorporation: Companies House, Cardiff.

Photo: Kevin Frediani, Paignton Zoo curator of plants and gardens.