Renewable Revolution

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park, in Paignton, Devon, England has a hydroponic system for growing food for the animals.

 The crops rotate in a robotic system optimized to provide an even level of sunlight for each tray. They are even able to grow plants that would be native to the environment for their exotic animals from all over the world.

 "We have a duty to promote sustainable uses of resources." says head gardener at the zoo, Catherine Mortimer.

 "Hydroponics is a great system for growing crops because it optimizes the food and water that the plant gets which maximizes the speed that the crop can grow and maximizes the nutrients that are going to be contained within that crop which is really important for captive animals." says head gardener at the zoo, Catherine Mortimer.

 The Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is a combined zoo and botanic garden that welcomes over half a million visitors a year.

 --Bibi Farber

 For more information visit: http://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk This video is produced by: www.sciencesowhat.direct.gov.uk/future-jobs

 http://www.nextworldtv.com/videos/innovations/paignton-zoos-hydroponic-farm.html