Maryland Zoo transitions to electric visitor shuttles - - Baltimore Fishbowl

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The Maryland Zoo has replaced its diesel-powered visitor shuttles with three all-electric vehicles to transport zoo-goers.

The shuttles will travel along Buffalo Yard Road into Zoo Central, with boarding areas at Eagle Gate for inbound rides and next to Naturalist Lodge for return trips.

The two 11-passenger shuttles and one 14-passenger shuttle can travel for up to 60 miles per charge.

The brightly-painted zero-emissions shuttles were purchased with grant funding from the Maryland Department of the Environment’s EPA Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA).

“Transportation electrification is key to a greener and healthier tomorrow globally and locally,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles in a statement.

“Cleaner air for the zoo’s visitors, employees, animals, and, especially, the many children who enjoy the attractions means a brighter future for all,” he said.

The zoo’s transition to electric shuttles is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

It removes approximately 300 kg of carbon dioxide from the air per day and will save the zoo upwards of $30,000 in fuel costs annually.

The switch to electric vehicles in an effort to reduce reliance on fossil fuels is gaining popularity.

Johns Hopkins University began a transition to electric shuttles back in September, and Baltimore County recently announced that it will replace its current fleet of government vehicles with hybrid or electric vehicles.

The zoo’s transition to electric shuttles is the latest in a series of efforts to reduce the zoo’s carbon footprint.

In June, the zoo partnered with BGE to install three electric vehicle charging stations outside of the Eagle Gate.

And in July, the zoo eliminated the use of single-use plastics from its daily operations, replacing all plastic bottle sales with recyclable aluminum bottles.

“We are committed to doing our part to reduce adverse environmental impacts on the planet and the species we share it with,” said Kirby Fowler, president & CEO of The Maryland Zoo, in a press release.

“Every step we take to reduce reliance on fossil fuels helps to further our mission while also improving the Zoo environment for both visitors and animals,” he said.

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Maryland Zoo transitions to electric visitor shuttles - - Baltimore Fishbowl

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