Meet the Mini Beast | Cincinnati Zoo Blog

Cincinnati’s Zoo was awarded an Ohio EPA grant in 2022 to acquire equipment for its award-winning horticultural team. The grant will further the Zoo’s Green Waste Recycling Program (GWRP) and supply the horticulture team with a towable Bandit Model 1425 Mini Beast horizontal grinder. This machine reduces green waste volume by 75% by processing bamboo stalks, elephant grass, tree branches, logs, herbaceous waste, woody waste, pallets, etc., which creates a usable product, keeps space used to a minimum, eliminates the need for green waste transport, and can reduce irrigation needs. The GWRP handles approximately 1,080 cubic yards of green waste annually, which accounts for roughly 25% of the Zoo’s total waste volume.

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Meet the Mini Beast | Cincinnati Zoo Blog

If you think the only exciting animals at the Cincinnati Zoo are the lions, tigers, and bears, you might be surprised to learn about the fascinating world of minibeasts. Minibeasts are tiny invertebrates that live all around us and play an essential role in the ecosystem.

What are Mini Beasts?

Minibeasts are invertebrates, which means they don’t have a backbone. Although small, minibeasts are incredibly diverse, and there are over a million species worldwide. They include insects, spiders, snails, worms, and centipedes.

Why Are Mini Beasts Important?

Minibeasts might be small, but they enormously impact the ecosystem. They are vital in pollination, soil health, and pest control. Without them, our ecosystem would be in trouble.

How Can You Help Mini Beasts?

There are simple ways you can help minibeasts thrive. Planting native flowers and plants can provide a valuable food source for pollinators like bees and butterflies. Also, avoid using pesticides and chemicals in your garden and opt for natural alternatives.

Meet the Mini Beasts at the Cincinnati Zoo

You can get close to minibeasts at the Cincinnati Zoo and learn about their incredible world. The Zoo has created a Mini Beast habitat in the Children’s Zoo, where you can observe and interact with these fascinating creatures.

The Mini Beast habitat features miniature versions of different habitats worldwide, including a forest floor, pond, and meadow area. You can see mini beasts like millipedes, beetles, snails, and spiders and learn about their unique characteristics and environmental adaptation.

Conclusion

The Cincinnati Zoo’s Mini Beast habitat is a fantastic way for visitors to learn about and appreciate minibeasts’ essential role in the ecosystem. By understanding their importance, we can help protect them and the environment they call home. Next time you visit the Cincinnati Zoo, visit the Mini Beast habitat and get to know these fascinating creatures.

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