Cleveland, Ohio
First, our biology faculty and graduate students designed new healthy diets for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s Western Lowland Gorillas, Bebac and Mokolo, who have heart disease. That partnership proved so successful that the university’s Squire Valleevue Farm joined the collaboration—and now provides 57 pounds of endive, 78 pounds of dandelion greens and 209 pounds of romaine lettuce to the zoo every week.
"Purchasing produce from the farm has several benefits: We know the local greens our animals are consuming are packed with vitamins and minerals because they were picked within the last few days; the carbon footprint is smaller because the food comes from just up the road; and we are investing our dollars back into Northeast Ohio."
Chris Kuhar, PhD
Executive Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology
Executive Director, Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Biology
