New Browse Hill
Posted at 5:04 pm March 16, 2007 by Seth Menser
A major reforestation/browse project was completed this week at the San Diego Zoo, replacing a decades-old eucalyptus-forested hillside (located south of the migratory duck pond). In its place, many new browse plants and trees will grow up and produce food and enrichment for our animals. A major reason for the successful breeding practices we’ve had here is our ability to grow and provide plants that these animals would eat and play with in their native habitats.
The Horticulture Department started the transformation months ago with the removal of many old and dangerous trees (see blog, Reforestation). Some of the logs that were not used in terracing the hillside became perches in Zoo exhibits, while others were utilized in wood-working projects. Very little lumber went to waste. With the hillside cleared and irrigation installed, the new browse plants were ready to be planted.
Logistical details, like easy access for harvest, sun exposure, growth habits, and other elements came into play when choosing plant locations. At the top of the slope, in full sun, we planted a large grove of bananas, pictured, with a half dozen different types. A little further down, a band of the Myrtle family’s shrub, eugenia, will fill in alongside a terraced track. In a large open area halfway down the hill, several species of Ficus were installed with plenty of room to grow up and produce aerial roots. Finally, about a hundred Acacia trees were planted, finishing off the hill all the way to the bottom. Since giraffes enjoy eating many times a day, a large supply of acacia trees should keep them happy.
The hardest part of acquiring, moving, and installing the plants is now done. Next, nature will take over and help our new browse hill grow, and someday down the line, browse gardeners will be harvesting food for some lucky animals.
Seth Menser is a gardener at the San Diego Zoo.
Read Seth’s previous blog, Chocolate, Anyone?
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March 20th, 2007 at 2:15 pm
Thanks, Seth, from the lucky animals, and the people who love to watch them.
It sounds like quite a project. By the time I manage to make my way back to the SDZ, the plants should be well on their way to new grow heights.