ComEd donates tree clippings to Brookfield Zoo

BROOKFIELD -- Animals at Brookfield Zoo in suburban Chicago are chomping on leaves, twigs and branches that ComEd workers collect after they trim trees and shrubs along power lines.

Zoo officials say the electric utility delivers the cuttings twice a week from spring through October. Zoo staffers will freeze some cuttings so the animals can have it year round. Animals like gorillas, giraffes, grizzly bears, kangaroos, birds and reptiles enjoy the tree cuttings.

Zoo nutritionists have given ComEd a list of approved plant and tree species for the animals. That includes sugar and silver maples, willows, grapevines and honey locusts.

ComEd officials say sharing with the zoo helps educate families about the importance of conservation. ComEd says it trims about 9,000 miles of tree line each year.