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Toronto Zoo
@thetorontozoo

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In most ecosystems, the ultimate source of all energy is the sun. Green plants convert solar energy to chemical energy by the process of photosynthesis. This reaction is directly or indirectly responsible for nearly all life on earth ☀️🌎 Here at the Toronto Zoo, plants are used in many different ways, both as a source of enjoyment for guests, staff, and animals and as a source of food. The #TZGreenhouse is home to one of the largest plant collections in Canada, and is where Horticulture staff grow plants for displays and animal habitats 🌱🌿 Within animal habitats, plants are added as enrichment to encourage natural behaviours, from feeding to foraging and a variety of different movements like jumping and swinging. Browse is extremely important for a lot of animals at the Zoo, including giraffe, moose and goats. By providing the appropriate animals with browse, Nutrition staff can encourage specific-specific behaviours, such as foraging, that enhance their welfare. Browse also contains vital nutrients that other foods may lack. Growing our own food not only provides our animals with the energy they need, but it also saves energy, furthering our mission of connecting people animals and conservation science to fight extinction. Tune into Facebook Live at 1:00pm to hear from your #ZooHorticulture team. Learn about how plants are powered and where they store energy. #ScienceLiteracyWeek #SciLit #ConservationScience #Day2 #PlantPowered