Sustainable use of vermicomposting in Mysore zoo, India

摘要

Mysore zoo is one of the oldest (established in 1892) and most popular zoos in Southern India, located on the outskirts of Mysore. The zoo houses nearly 854 animals and 113 bird species, and is a prime tourist destination in Mysore. Approximately 220 staff members (including management staff) have been deployed to take care of the animals. Inmate animals, visitors and resident zoo staff produce huge quantities of garbage (about 200 kg per day), household wastes and dung. The zoo converts these wastes into manure through vermicomposting, and sells it to the public at reasonable prices. Dung of herbivorous animals such as Asian Elephants, African Rhinos, Hippo, Gaur and Mithun is the major source of vermicomposting in the Mysore zoo. On an average, 1000 kg of dung is produced every day in the zoo (MCC, 2006). Considerable quantities of fallen leaves, grasses, and other green materials from the garden section are also used.