In an effort to tackle their carbon footprint and become net zero carbon by 2035, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo are planning to build a solar farm in the shape of the famous chalk lion.
“We must invest our time, energy and resources into reducing our carbon emissions to be as low as they can be, as quickly as we can, with innovations like the Solar Lion.”
The new lion shaped solar farm would cover two acres of the site and would produce 1MW of energy, providing around a third of electricity needed to power the zoo and keep it running. This will align with the zoo’s plans to become net zero carbon by 2035, as well as aiming to reduce emissions from fossil fuels by 50% five years earlier in 2030.
Owen Craft, ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s Chief Operating Officer said: “We are really excited about our plans for a Solar Lion to join our Whipsnade White Lion on the beautiful Chiltern hills and even more excited about the difference she could make to the planet. As a global conservation charity, we know only too well the devastating effect climate change is having on the world’s wildlife, as well as on the survival of our own species. As we approach the United Nations climate change conference COP26 in Glasgow, we’re calling on world leaders to put nature at the heart of global decision making, and we’re committed to that ourselves.”