Workshop LIFE4ZOO: Water in zoos

How to convince administrative authorities to support zoos with subsidies? What to do when water blooms appear on lakes? And what modern technologies help protect water resources?

The LIFE4ZOO project workshop not only answered these questions, but also gave many other stimulating ideas. A meeting that connected the world of zoos with the topic of water. All contributions are available on YouTube.

Water as a basic life strategy

Petra Bolechová reminded us right at the beginning that water is not just an ordinary liquid - it is a basic condition for life. Animals must not only receive it, but also manage it smartly. And the numbers she showed spoke for themselves: an elephant needs 100-200 liters per day, a giraffe can function with five, a macaw parrot can do with half a liter, and a python takes barely a few drops - 10 to 20 milliliters. Whether they are aquatic, terrestrial or aerial creatures, water is a key element for their well-being.

Masterplan as a map to the future

Julia Hanualiková opened up a topic that at first glance seems bureaucratic, but in fact decides the future of the zoo: the masterplan. She described it as a road map without which the zoo cannot do. Planning water resources, developing the area and protecting endangered species - all this cannot be managed without a strategy. According to her, zoos are becoming modern centers of nature conservation and sustainability. And without a long-term vision, no zoo could turn into an inspiring and environmentally responsible place.

Finance, politics and the social role of the zoo

John Regan reminded that even the best strategy needs financial support. He emphasized that zoo directors must be able to talk to politicians and convince them of the importance of investments. Zoos are not amusement parks - they are scientific, educational and innovation centers that have an impact on society and the economy. And because visitors are also voters and taxpayers, supporting the zoo is actually supporting the entire community.

Water in the zoo: when nature is not enough

Jindřich Duras delved into the topic of water reservoirs and ponds. While natural systems have their own self-cleaning mechanisms, in a zoo it is necessary to monitor and maintain the water artificially. The problem is often an overload of phosphorus and organic matter - the result? Cyanobacteria and algae. According to Duras, the solution is advanced purification technologies that can recycle not only water but also nutrients.

The story of Swan Lake

Petr Kvapil shared a specific experience. At the Liberec zoo, they had to deal with the overloaded Swan Lake. The accumulation of nutrients led to eutrophication and unwelcome "aquatic blooms". They called in nature and technology to help: beneficial bacteria, ultrasound against algae, sediment removal and vegetation islands. The lake was thus given a chance for a new life.

How to protect and use water

Tomáš Lederer showed that even water that is returned to circulation must always be treated. From traditional chlorination to ozonation, UV radiation to modern plasma methods - each technology has its pros and cons. Chlorination is cheap, but creates unwanted substances, UV is gentle, but more expensive.

Sponge city and other European inspirations

Grzegorz Gzyl presented the MAURICE project and the concept of "sponge city", i.e. cities that can retain rainwater. Thanks to blue-green infrastructure, floods and droughts can be better managed and agricultural supplies can be improved.

Life remar: a story from the Baix region

Cristina Valhondo then offered a view of the Mediterranean landscape. The LIFE REMAR project in the Baix Camp region shows how groundwater supplies can be strengthened using nature-friendly measures. However, managed renaturalized water is not only a technical solution, but also a way to raise public awareness of the need to protect water.