Interserve has secured a £2 million contract with Edinburgh Zoo to deliver facilities services for the next five years.

The international support services and construction group will cover cleaning, security, park presentation, waste disposal and washroom services for the 82-acre site.

Interserve has worked with Edinburgh Zoo since 2013, providing facilities services designed to ensure both animal residents and human guests have the best possible experience and support the zoo's important conservation and research work.

The company has introduced a number of changes to the zoo since the beginning of their partnership, including avoiding wearing high-visibility clothing in certain areas in order not to upset the animals.

As part of its waste operations, Interserve promotes recycling and upcycling to reduce waste to landfill. The team's approach to litter removal is especially important for the zoo's penguins, who can become ill from eating debris such as cigarette ends and lollipop sticks left around the site.

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Interserve has removed its diesel vehicles from across the site and invested in electric vans to support animal welfare. It is also working with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Green Team to educate visitors about how they can minimise their environmental impact through its Paws vs Plastic campaign.

Jeff Flanagan, managing director - commercial at Interserve, said: "Edinburgh Zoo holds a special place in many people's hearts and we're pleased to be extending our partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland to ensure it continues to delight and educate people for years to come. It's a challenging but exciting place to work and our teams work in close partnership with the zoo to meet customers' high expectations while respecting the needs of its animal residents."

Bruce Ritchie, head of business operations and visitor experience at Edinburgh Zoo, added: "Edinburgh Zoo is an important shop window for RZSS' zoological research and conversation work and helps us to educate the next generation about the need to protect our environment and animal welfare. Interserve understands the significance of our work and plays a key role in keeping the zoo running, making sure it looks its best for our many visitors as well as providing a safe and comfortable home for our animals."

(CM/MH)