In a new approach to conservation, Zoo Miami is taking the interesting move of selling the manure of its exotic animals to the general public.

Celebrating Endangered Species Week, the Florida attraction has officially launched its ‘Zoo Doo’ initiative, selling the animal dung harvested from a variety of endangered herbivores including rhinos, elephants, and bantengs.

Created using an Enviro-Drum composter, the zoo is only one of two in the US utilising the special piece of equipment. Part of the zoo’s green initiative, which aims to reduce, recycle, and reuse waste rather than increase their landfill footprint, the reuse method also saves on purchase of soil.

Combined with grinded trees, plants, and landscape debris from the zoo to create the exotic compost, Zoo Doo is available in a five pound “collectors bucket” at a cost of US$12.95 (€11.65, £9.95) or as a full cubic yard available for US$30 (€27, £23).

Zoo Miami recently celebrated its 37th year in operation, introducing its US$33m (€31m, £26m) Everglades exhibit. To hear from zoo communications director Ron Magill, check out the Q1 edition of Attractions Management, available now.