Bristol Airport’s Old Fire Hoses Repurposed into Enrichment Gear for Zoo Animals

At Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm in North Somerset, animals like Andean bears and otters are finding new ways to play and forage – all thanks to an innovative partnership with Bristol Airport. Over the past eight years, fire hoses that are no longer safe for emergency use have been repurposed into enrichment tools for the zoo’s residents.

Each year, the airport’s fire team donates decommissioned hoses that have failed pressure tests. The hoses’ robust, flexible, and waterproof material makes them ideal for creating toys, climbing ropes, feeding puzzles, and even furniture within animal enclosures.

Antony Nash, a firefighter at Bristol Airport, explains, “This annual donation brings us great joy. These hoses, while no longer suitable for firefighting, get a second life engaging animals at Noah’s Ark.” The proximity of the zoo to the airport has helped build a strong local partnership focused on sustainability and animal welfare.

Chris Wilkinson, the zoo’s curator, highlights the benefits: “Fire hoses are incredibly durable and safe for our animals. From hammocks for Andean bears to rafts and climbing ropes for primates, these items challenge the animals mentally and physically while encouraging natural behaviors.”

Zoo keeper Jack Goodridge adds, “The material withstands the wear and tear from animals that love to shred objects. It’s perfect for stimulating foraging instincts by hiding food inside, encouraging problem-solving much like they would in the wild.”

Emma Ogborne, head bear keeper, emphasizes the environmental impact of the initiative, “Transforming retired fire hoses reduces waste and supports our commitment to sustainability. It’s a win-win for conservation and animal enrichment.”

This ongoing collaboration exemplifies creative recycling efforts that benefit animal welfare and promote environmental responsibility, proving that one organization’s waste can be another’s valuable resource.