Club Meeting

Thursday 24th February saw President Derek Clark of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry welcome speaker Gavin Whigham to a meeting held at Conifox where some members attended in person and others joined on Zoom. Gavin is Property and Estates Manager for Edinburgh Zoo, which also includes the Highlands Wildlife Centre near Aviemore. His responsibilities cover maintenance and refurbishment, gardens, and also special projects such as the new Giraffe Centre set high on Corstorphine Hill, and recent sloth and meerkat enclosures. Gavin is also closely involved with the Zoo's drive to environmental sustainability. For example bamboo, which is a fast-growing grass, is used wherever possible to cut back on timber in the construction of enclosures. Interestingly, virtually all animals are owned by governments and other organisations which donate them in return for vital genetic research and other conservation advice for which Edinburgh Zoo had a world-wide reputation. The gardens department plays a crucial part not only in maintaining the Zoo's  appearance, but in growing special food such as eucalyptus and bamboo. It specialises in creating habitats which resemble the animals' native lands, but contain plants which will withstand the Scottish climate. The Zoo has a greater variety of tree species than the Royal Botanic Gardens! Siting animal shelters and enclosures requires skill and ingenuity. The buildings are of the highest standard and it is important not to place animals too close to predators, not for their safety, but to prevent nervousness. Environmentally friendly practices are of vital importance. The Zoo does not do carbon offset or send anything to landfill. Water consumption has been markedly reduced by a range of initiatives. The enforced Covid shut-down was an opportunity to develop such energy projects as the solar meadow. Historic Corstorphine House, which houses offices as well as facilities such as restaurants and public spaces where events such as weddings can take place, was extensively refurbished using the most sustainable techniques. Bookings increased by 58% and at the same time energy consumption was reduced by 33%. The Zoo now runs education projects to teach sustainability to students from universities and colleges and demonstrate it in action.

Alistair Rarity proposed the vote of thanks for an interesting and enjoyable talk.