Granby Zoo Reports a Successful Cleaning Switch

Granby Zoo, located just outside Montréal, Canada, reports that its experiment using certified-Green chemicals as an effective alternative to traditional cleaning chemicals has been a success.

Over the past year and in stages, the 52-year-old facility transferred from traditional cleaning products to certified-Green chemicals. 

An environmental expert recommended the transfer because some animals—specifically the gorillas—were showing signs of discomfort after cleaning was performed.

“We found that the gorillas that touched or walked on surfaces recently cleaned would then lick their paws, causing some to have reactions or at least show sensitivity to the chemicals,” reports Serge Drolet, the zoo’s Director of the Environment.

Cleaning Animal Cages
“We needed powerful chemicals to clean the cages,” says Drotlet, “The cages must be completely sanitized to protect the health of the animals and the facility. In fact, the chemicals were so powerful that protective gear—including gloves, goggles, and clothing to protect the skin—must be worn at all times.”

The Green Cleaning products were first tested in just a few animal cages to see how well they performed compared to products that the Zoo has been using for many years.

“This is a very common concern facility service providers (FSPs) have when transferring to Green Cleaning products,” according to Mike Sawchuk, Vice President and General Manager of Enviro-Solutions, the manufacturer of the certified-Green Cleaning products used at the Zoo.  “Although you can tell FSPs that certification means the products are as good—if not better—than traditional cleaning products, they still need to see it for themselves.”

Drolet reported that not only were the environmentally preferable products as effective as the traditional chemicals, but water use declined—because there was less rinsing—and the zoo’s cleaning workers did not need to wear as much protective gear.

Strategy for the Future
“But, the biggest benefit is that the reactions and sensitivities some of the gorillas were experiencing has disappeared,” noted Drolet.  “Because of this, we have started transferring to Green Cleaning chemicals in more areas of the Zoo, including the offices, cafeteria, and for floor care.”

According to Drolet, using Green Cleaning chemicals is only part of Granby Zoo’s strategy to make the facility healthier and more sustainable.

“We are working hard to save water as well as energy and make the Zoo run more efficiently,” he concluded.  “Our success with Green Cleaning products has encouraged us to look for other products and ways to make our Zoo healthier and more environmentally responsible.”