SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo has canceled this year’s Fall Fecal Fest due to an herbicide contamination of the zoo’s highly coveted Zoo Doo. The herbicide, chlopyralid (klo-PEER-uh-lid), is commonly used on hay and wheat fields in eastern Washington for the control of broadleaf weeds (non grass-like weeds). Unlike most other common herbicides, chlopyralid does not break down in the heat of the composting process. It remains active to the detriment of susceptible plants, primarily members of the pea, sunflower and tomato families.

“We deeply regret that this very popular product will not be available this fall for its many loyal users,” said Woodland Park Zoo Facility Operations Supervisor EJ Hook. “However, this cancellation is the most responsible decision to make in order to ensure a safe and high-quality product for our Zoo Doo customers.”

Zoo Doo is a fully composted blend of animal manures mixed with straw bedding, grass, leaves and wood chips from the grounds of Woodland Park Zoo. Which animals contribute to Zoo Doo? All the non-primate herbivore (plant eaters) animals are happy to doo their part. These animals include, elephants, hippos, zebras, giraffes, gazelles, oryx, ponies and others. On average, Woodland Park Zoo creates 1,000,000 pounds of compost each year saving $60,000 per year in disposal costs. The zoo makes bulk amounts of Zoo Doo available twice a year to the public at during the annual Spring and Fall Fecal Fests. The popularity of the compost is so great, there is a lottery for appointments to purchase Zoo Doo during these Fecal Fests.

Several years ago Washington State University detected chlopyralid in their agricultural compost. Since the zoo’s hay and straw are grown in eastern Washington, Woodland Park Zoo immediately started testing its Zoo Doo for the herbicide. In response to a positive testing last summer, “We segregated the contaminated material from the existing ‘clean’ stockpiles of Zoo Doo,” explained Hook, “to eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination.” As a result of subsequent positive tests and, therefore, limited availability of clean Zoo Doo, the zoo negotiated new contracts with its hay and straw suppliers to assure a chlopyralid-free product. The zoo received delivery of the first chlopyralid-free straw and hay earlier this spring.

Because the composting process takes 12-15 weeks to complete, very little material will be ready in time for this fall’s event. The zoo expects a new crop to be ready for Spring Fecal Fest in 2005, although some special rules may apply depending on the supply. The clean material generated within the next few months will be used to fulfill the zoo’s charitable donations to local schools and charities.

Chlopyralid is safe to use on grasses such as wheat and hay and has tested safe for humans. The zoo is using the contaminated Zoo Doo on grounds where it is appropriate.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, top award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. With conservation, education and excellent animal care at the core of the zoo’s mission, the zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world including tree kangaroos, snow leopards, red-crowned cranes, African wild dogs, western pond turtles and Oregon silverspot butterflies. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.