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Detroit Zoo Plans to Turn Animal Waste Into Energy

The process could save the zoo up to $80,000 each year.

ByABC News
April 21, 2015, 12:53 AM

— -- The Detroit Zoo is planning to turn a major byproduct of its animal inhabitants into renewable energy.

The Detroit Zoological Society and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation launched a crowdfunding campaign on Monday to build an energy-producing biodigester at the zoo.

The biodigester will turn 400 tons of animal manure generated annually at the Detroit Zoo, as well as other organic waste, into a methane-rich gas, officials said in a press release.

The biogas will then be used to help power the Ruth Roby Glancy Animal Health Complex, and is expected to save the zoo around $70,000 to $80,000 a year in energy costs.

“We'll be the first zoo in North America to have a dry biodigester on grounds -- turning the dry animal waste into electricity," Detroit Zoological Society COO Gerry VanAker told ABC News affiliate WXYZ-TV.

The system will also convert manure into compost that will be used to fertilize animal habitats, gardens and public spaces throughout the 125-acre zoo.

If the Detroit Zoological Society reaches its crowdfunding goal of $55,000 by June 15, 2015 on the crowdfunding platform Patronicity, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation will provide a $55,000 matching grant to the zoo for the system.