The Louisville Zoo is comprised of 134 acres situated in the city’s Poplar Level neighborhood. The Zoo has 6 zones of exhibits several of which contain yards that have native or introduced plant species. In some cases, these yards may contain toxic plants that could cause serious health issues with the animals. On several occasions, animals have consumed plants that required veterinarian services including a hospital stay. 

The Louisville Zoo’s Senior Veterinarian reached out to the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture Agent for assistance with identification and eradication of toxic plants, or other sources of contamination. The Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture Agent, along with several of the Louisville Zoo staff, walked several of the exhibit yards identifying toxic plants that should be removed. Plant identification techniques were taught to the Louisville Zoo staff. A list of toxic plant references with photos was shared with the Louisville Zoo staff. 

Eight individual Louisville Zoo yard keepers were present during walks surveying for toxic plants. The Senior Veterinarian and Veterinarian Technicians were present for most of the walks as well.

The Louisville Zoo and the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Service has developed a partnership where annual visits are scheduled to view exhibits for potentially toxic plants. 

The number of plant related health incidents has decreased indicated a higher level of awareness by Louisville Zoo staff in identifying and removing potentially toxic plants  which results in reduced time the animals aren’t available to be exhibited.