Cross-Solent ferry operator Wightlink has donated disused Life rings that were retired from service to enrich the lives of giraffes at Marwell Zoo in Hampshire.
Rather than sending the equipment away as waste, the company looked for opportunities to reuse the materials in a positive and practical way, after they were replaced as part of routine safety updates across Wightlink’s fleet.
The donation followed an approach from Marwell Zoo’s animal keepers, who contacted Wightlink to ask whether it had any surplus equipment that could be upcycled to provide enrichment for the animals in their care.
At Marwell Zoo, animal keepers adapted the rings, suspending them at height and filling them with treats, the rings provide a fun and engaging way for the
animals to access their snacks, encouraging stretching, exploration and problem-solving behaviours that mirror how giraffes feed in the wild.
Marwell Zoo animal keeper, Erin Luter said:
“We really appreciate Wightlink donating their old life rings and delivering the items to us. We were able to make some fun snack feeders for our giraffes, which they loved.
“Enrichment is incredibly important for encouraging natural behaviours and keeping our animals active and engaged, so it’s fantastic to be able to reuse
materials in such a creative way.”Article continues below this advertisement
Following the success with the giraffes, the Zoo plans to create additional feeders using the life rings for other browsing animals, including mountain bongos, lesser kudus and tapir.
The donation builds on Wightlink’s ongoing commitment to finding new uses for surplus materials. In the past, old mooring lines have been donated to Isle of Wight animal charities including the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, the Isle of Wight Monkey Haven and the Wight Squirrel Project.
The company has also recently been in touch with Amazon World to explore whether any surplus equipment could benefit animals there.
Head of Fleet Operations from Wightlink, Captain Sam Mitchell said:
“We always try to find a use for surplus materials rather than sending them away as waste. Seeing the giraffes enjoying their snacks from the repurposed life rings is a real joy and it is far better than these items simply being thrown away.”
Wightlink is keen to hear from organisations that could make use of surplus materials such as old mooring lines, life rings or buoys. Anyone interested is encouraged to get in touch by emailing [email protected]
