The top gong is in recognition of our commitment to efficient and sustainable water use.

In our pursuit of maximum sustainability, we undertook an extensive pipeline project to revitalise our water management system to make us as waterwise as possible. The upgrades to the critical infrastructure ensured the Zoo’s potable water, bore water, storm water and fire-mains were upgraded and extended. This improved our water sustainability onsite, ensuring we have an ample supply of water to provide animal residents with the best possible care into the future, whilst saving approximately 250,000L a day – because every drop counts!



The crowning glory of the project was the revitalisation of the Zoo’s Main Lake. Although a stunning facelift, the underground works are actually the most impressive aspect of the area. Beneath the surface, the water from the Main Lake is connected to the Wetlands exhibit, so it can be recycled and reused. This means we are diverting the water from the sewer and most impressively using it four times during its Zoo lifespan. The water comes into the Zoo at our breeding centre for Western Swamp Tortoises, then at the Wetlands, Main Lake and finally on our stunning gardens.

Above the ground, we tell this sustainability story to our visitors, encouraging them to go on a waterwise journey navigating dry creek beds, traveling across bridges and discovering the 30 western swamp tortoise sculptures hidden within the area.

Perth Zoo’s Executive Director, Wendy Attenborough, said: “We are exceptionally proud of this award. As a conservation focused Zoo, we are always looking at ways we can reduce our impact on the environment. This award recognises our efforts to reduce water across the site, establish best practice water saving initiatives and inspire the community to join us on this journey.”