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Pandas celebrate six months in Australia and unveil plans to go solar thanks to AGL
Wang Wang and Funi, the Adelaide Zoo's much-loved Giant Pandas today celebrated their six month anniversary in Australia with the announcement that they will soon receive solar power to their enclosure courtesy of AGL Energy, Australia's largest integrated renewable energy company.
The pandas were officially welcomed to Australia by Governor General, Quentin Bryce almost six months ago and have been settling well into their new habitat. They have attracted around 70% more visitors to the zoo than ever before, including over 25% of people from interstate.
As part of their major partnership with the Giant Pandas, AGL will provide solar power to their enclosure to help provide the optimal environment for the species. The clean, renewable solar energy generated through the system will offset 3,385 kgCO2-e annually.
"We are really looking forward to watching the pandas grow and adapt in their new environment. As a company, AGL prides itself on 'doing' – taking action to make a change. Our newly forged relationship with Zoos SA and their Giant Pandas is a true demonstration this," said David Hamilton, General Manager Marketing, AGL Energy.
AGL's solar power will help the giant pandas to continue to adapt to and enjoy their new home at Adelaide Zoo, while working towards the ultimate goal of securing the long term survival of giant pandas through breeding in captivity and managing the release of captive-bred pandas into the wild.
"AGL is the Zoo's energy retailer of choice and it was a natural partnership for us to enter," said Heather Caddick, President of Zoos SA.
"As a not-for-profit, member based organisation, it is our loyal visitors and the generosity of companies such as AGL that help us at Zoos SA to support precious animals such as Wang Wang and Funi," said Dr Chris West, CEO, Zoos SA.
AGL is drawing on their expertise in solar power and renewable energy by installing a fully functioning Solar PV system in the pandas enclosure. The power generated by the solar PV system will help with climate control by cooling rocks and powering misters in the enclosure, as well as generating electricity for lighting, refrigeration for food, panda camera surveillance footage and powering computers for research purposes.
AGL will also provide an LCD information and educational screen in the exhibit detailing how solar power works, for visitor enjoyment.
AGL's sponsorship of the Giant Pandas is a four year deal that will see the company install and project manage the Solar PV and provide preventative maintenance for the panels.
Wang Wang and Funi - in numbers:
- 328,000 visitors since they first arrived at the zoo
- 5-15 kilograms of bamboo consumed each day
- 14-16 hours of sleep each day
