At the Tallinn Zoo, the manure from elephants, rhinoceroses, bison, and other exotic animals is used to produce the most exotic humus in Estonia.
The zoo's composting center collects between 30 and 40 cubic meters of natural raw materials daily: manure, straw, hay, sawdust, small branches, mowed grass, and remnants of plant feed.
The contribution from the pavilion of large mammals — elephants, rhinoceroses, and pygmy hippos — is particularly significant. These largest manure producers in the zoo collectively provide nine cubic meters of raw material daily. Bison also make a considerable contribution, as there are many of them in the zoo. However, goats, despite their abundance, produce small droppings, so their share in the final product is less.
All of this is mixed, shredded, and piled up, where aerobic composting takes place. Air, microbes, and time do their work, resulting in a brown, fertile, nutrient-rich humus suitable for gardens, vegetable plots, greenhouses, and decorative flower beds.
Until the end of October, the exotic humus from the Tallinn Zoo can be purchased at a 30% discount. The zoo recommends using it mixed with soil or as a soil improver — it is suitable for various garden crops.
