The 40 golf carts are used by the Detroit Zoo’s animal, maintenance, landscaping, park safety, education, events, marketing and public relations staffs to transport equipment and people around the 125-acre Zoo.  By replacing fossil fuel with solar power, the Zoo is reducing its carbon dioxide emissions from golf carts by an estimated 450 pounds a year.  

“By switching to eco-friendly carts, we are saving energy, money and the environment,” said Executive Director Ron Kagan.

The new carts boast a regenerative braking system that allows power to go back into the cart each time the brakes are engaged.  The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing the need for standard outlet charging.

The Detroit Zoological Society has an active Green Team that aims to maximize ecological conservation and educate staff and visitors about choices that reduce harmful effects on the environment.  The Zoo’s conversion to solar/electric hybrid golf carts is one more component in its effort to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October (open at 9 a.m. May 1 through Labor Day) – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11 for adults 15 to 61, $9 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7 for children ages 2 to 14; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 541-5717 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. year-round and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  Admission is free.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 

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