Durrell goes green(er)

Sunday 19 February 2017

Expect some changes to feeding time at the zoo as the Dodo Restaurant is making moves to 'go green.'

The popular restaurant is getting a sustainable make-over.

Plastic is no longer on the menu. Instead, zoo visitors will be able to purchase ‘Water in a Box’ - a range of natural and eco-conscious spring water that’s boxed at source in Somerset’s Mendip Hills.

Durrell’s CEO, Dr Lesley Dickie, is excited to be leading the way in Jersey with removing all plastic single use bottles from the site.  

Dr Dickie said: “I think it’s really important that we practice what we preach and these changes, which are just the start of an on-going improvement plan, will help make a difference to the environment both here in Jersey and to the habitats of animals we are working hard to save in their native countries."

Fairtrade tea and coffee, supplied by local company Coopers, will be served in Vegware cups that are 100% compostable.

Also, visitors with a sweet tooth can enjoy ice cream from Minioti, a Genuine Jersey member. The ice cream is made with milk from Jersey cows and does not contain palm oil, which is great news for the orangutans of Borneo and Sumatra whose habitats are being destroyed for the sake of palm oil plantations.

Dr Dickie said: “We believe that these exciting changes to our food and beverage offer will give diners a really tasty, healthy and sustainable experience. We’re also introducing a ‘Dodo Deli’ and delicious Tuscan hand stretched pizzas, lots more vegetarian options, plus everything will be freshly prepared on site, helping to reduce our carbon footprint and eliminate the use of palm oil.”