Atlanta Beltline Partners with Zoo Atlanta to Give Trees New Purpose

For animals at Zoo Atlanta, fresh vegetation, known as “browse,” is crucial to getting vital nutrients and allowing animals to engage in natural behaviors we would see in the wild. A team of browse technicians make this possible every day by gathering and distributing browse (often composed of branches, leaves, and other tree parts) to different habitats around the zoo.   

In the winter, when temperatures drop and so do the leaves, technicians are tasked with supplying browse for the animals when there isn’t any growing nearby. Thankfully, that’s where the Atlanta Beltline came in. 

As our team began work on Southside Trail - Segments 2 and 3, the Beltline was looking to identify a way to repurpose the trees that were going to be cleared for construction. So, we reached out to the team at Zoo Atlanta to form a partnership that would benefit not only us, but also some of the city's most beloved wild animals.  

Once arriving at the zoo, the old trees were stored in an industrial freezer so they could stay fresh until the winter when it was time for them to be enjoyed by a variety of animals, including gorillas, giraffes, and elephants. 

“It’s a win all the way around.” Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s Director of Design Kevin Burke said.  

The trees removed for clearing will be replaced with new, native species as part of the construction process to ensure as much nature along the corridor is preserved as possible. 

To learn more about the Atlanta Beltline’s sustainable tree management efforts, click here.