You may already know that ComEd trims trees around power lines to improve reliability and reduce power outages caused by overgrown vegetation. But did you know the energy company donates some of these trimmings as an additional food source for animals at Lincoln Park Zoo?
The leaves, twigs, and branches compiled from ComEd trimmings are referred to as “browse,” and they are fed to species such as giraffe, gorilla, kangaroo, rhinoceros, camel and more. Most tree trimmings come from within a 25-mile radius of the zoo so, if you live in that area, they might be from your neighborhood.
The leaves, twigs, and branches compiled from ComEd trimmings are referred to as “browse,” and they are fed to species such as giraffe, gorilla, kangaroo, rhinoceros, camel and more.
“Trimming near power lines keeps the lights on, keeps our customers and communities safe, and we are thrilled that it can supplement the food supply for zoo animals as well,” said Shannon Peters, senior vegetation management program manager at ComEd. “It can’t get much better than that.”
ComEd donates its tree trimmings as an additional food source for animals at Lincoln Park Zoo.
Twice a month, ComEd provides Lincoln Park Zoo with up to 40 cubic yards of approved plant and tree species for free. With these savings, the zoo can allocate additional financial support to other aspects of animal care such as enrichment, positive reinforcement training and preventive care.
ComEd’s zoo browse program, which is the first of its kind in the United States, was originally launched in partnership with Brookfield Zoo in 2011. ComEd delivers browse to both Chicagoland zoos from May to October.
