We are continuously working to reduce our energy consumption and emissions. At the same time, we are focusing on renewable energies and alternative propulsion and power systems.

An overview of our measures:

• Our vehicle fleet is gradually being converted to electric vehicles, and our employees also use e-bikes.
• Electric-powered equipment is also increasingly being used in park maintenance, for example for strimming lawns, trimming hedges and for blowing leaves.
• Photovoltaic systems have been installed on the roofs of the new tiger enclosure and the multifunctional building in the Asian Village. Other suitable roofs will be gradually equipped with solar panels in the coming years.
• We purchase 100% green electricity and use district heating to sustainably meet the energy needs of our animal and plant facilities.
• Our greenhouse gas emissions are systematically recorded in accordance with the GHG Protocol. We use this to derive specific climate targets and regularly review our progress.

Wilhelma is a member of Klimawin BW, where it reports annually on its climate protection and sustainability measures.

Water is essential for our animals, plants and parks. This is why we use it responsibly at Wilhelma. 

An overview of our measures:

• We collect rainwater in six cisterns (total capacity 234 m³), e.g. from the roofs of our greenhouses. We use the rainwater specifically for our botanical collections, which require particularly soft water low in dissolved calcium and magnesium.
• Many of our water features are supplied with water from our own natural springs. This allows us to avoid using valuable tap water.
• In many places in the park, we use demand-based irrigation, for example for the magnolias in the Moorish Garden. This allows water to reach the roots of the trees directly without evaporating.
• We redesign of flower beds to create areas permanently planted with drought-resistant perennials, grasses and shrubs. This significantly reduces water consumption, while at the same time reducing maintenance costs and making the flower beds more sustainable for the future.
• We use paper, consumables and work equipment sparingly and consciously. When purchasing, we pay attention to environmental standards, durability and resource-saving products.
• All our printed products, such as the park map, are printed on 100% recycled paper with the “Blaue Engel” label.
• We only use recycled paper with the Blue Angel label for toilet paper and paper towels. This is made from recycled waste paper, does not require fresh fibres and thus conserves forests and resources.

We strive to avoid waste and close cycles. At Wilhelma, we use resources consciously and ensure that materials are reused or recycled. In this way, we reduce waste, save resources and protect the climate.

An overview of our measures:

• Waste is collected separately at our waste depot, including paper, packaging, metals, green waste, hazardous waste and residual waste. All materials are disposed of properly, many of them recycled to conserve resources and close material cycles.
• Some of the manure from our animals and the green waste from the grounds are composted and reused as fertiliser, for example in the water lily pond.
• Hay is harvested in the meadows of Rosenstein Park in the summer and fed to our animals throughout the year. The short transport distances save emissions and protect the climate.
• Plants from our botanical garden, such as rice or banana plants, are fed to the animals. Surplus plants and ripe fruits are thus used in the cycle.
• When trees need to be felled, the wood is reused as enrichment and structural elements in aviaries and animal enclosures.
• In individual cases, animals born at Wilhelma can also be used for feeding other zoo animals. We explain sensitive topics such as ‘breed and feed’ concepts transparently, for example in our own podcast episode (in German).

Wilhelma is not only a zoo, but also a botanical garden. At Wilhelma, we cultivate and maintain conservation collections of native plant species, which are later reintroduced into the wild. In addition, our colleagues in the park maintenance department look after important inner-city habitats such as the Schlossgarten in Stuttgart. We create biodiversity areas inside and outside Wilhelma to promote habitats for insects, birds, reptiles and native mammals such as bats.

An overview of our measures:

• Creation of biodiversity habitats through the development of naturalistic flower beds, wildflower meadows, deadwood areas and natural stone walls.
• Insect hotels and nesting aids at various locations throughout the grounds.
• Conservation collections of native plant species, e.g. Nymphaea candida and bristly bellflower, for later release into the wild.
• Plant pest control is carried out biologically or with beneficial insects wherever possible.

Species conservation worldwide:

• We support the IUCN One Plan Approach and EAZA ex-situ programmes for breeding genetically stable zoo populations.
• We support over 40 international species conservation projects to protect habitats, combat poaching, preserve ecosystems and much more.

Wilhelma aims to be accessible to as many people as possible. We ensure barrier-free access and an inclusive park design. The health, safety and well-being of our employees are our top priority.

An overview of our measures:

• Wilhelma for everyone: A barrier-free park map makes it easier to find your way around, the website is largely accessible and wheelchairs can be borrowed on site.
• There are regular training courses, first aid courses and prevention programmes for employees.
• As a training organization, we invest in the future: we provide young people with practical, hands-on experience in a variety of professions and help them develop the skills they need for a sustainable and responsible career.
• Young people can complete a voluntary ecological year (FÖJ) with us. Here they gain practical experience in species conservation and education for sustainable development and learn about working in a zoological and botanical garden.

At Wilhelma, sustainability is not only explained, but also brought to life. With a wide range of educational and hands-on activities, we impart knowledge about nature, climate and species conservation and show how sustainable behaviour can be incorporated into everyday life. Education for sustainable development (ESD) is a central guiding principle in this regard.

Our offerings at a glance:

• Guided tours, workshops, Wilhelma Talks and information panels convey a wide range of knowledge and follow the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD).
• Educational eventdays and interactive workshops which make sustainable practices tangible and engaging.
• Our mobile phone collection project shows how everyone can make a contribution to conservation and sustainability.