Lake Superior Zoo Kicks Off Pollinator Week

DULUTH, Minn.– The Lake Superior Zoo is celebrating a special week.

A week celebrating an important part of nature. Pollinators are responsible for keeping the ecosystem alive and thriving. The Lake Superior Zoo kicked off the week with pollinator day, where they highlighted the keystone species.

“Coming to the zoo, you can learn about pollinators and learn about native and nonnative species of plants. We have a lot of both,” said Marketing Manager Caroline Routley.

Routley said, pollinators are incredibly important to our environment.

“One in three bites that you take of food every day, all day, are thanks to a pollinator.” explained Routley.

According to Routley, the zoo has many ways to get people of all ages educated on the importance of pollination. One of those things being a scavenger hunt they put together for pollination day.

“Anything we can do whether it’s the scavenger hunt, where kids are playing a little more attention. Maybe they’re actually reading the signs where they wouldn’t have before. Maybe they’re asking their mom, dad, grandparent etc. to read to them or help them look for things.” said Routley

It’s the experiences like the scavenger hunt that will leave an impact with kids.

“It’s just keeping them a little more engaged with the environment. And through that, they’re learning. And they learn through that kind of play,” said Routley

With pollinators, certain species may come to mind.

“Of course, the most common pollinators are bees, butterflies, beetles, things like that.” said Routley

Pollinators may also be animals you would never expect.

“Lemurs kind of do the same thing as a lot of the pollinator insects. Which is they go around, and they eat nectar. And they get pollen on their face and their fur. And when they go to find more nectar, or to go and eat more fruits, they spread that pollen around.” said Animal Care Specialist, Anna Schopf.

All sorts of lessons can be learned throughout pollinator week.

“I think what we’re trying to highlight here today is that a lot of different animals can be pollinators. Including, like mammals here,” Schopf explained.

According to Schopf, conservation of these animals is just as important.

It’s important to know why they’re important to the ecosystem. So, we know why we’re trying to protect them.” said Schopf

Routley said there are many things you can do at home to help pollinator species. Removing nonnative plants, and planting pollinator gardens can help them out a lot.

“If you add a four by four, pollinator native species garden to your yard you’re doing a huge service to pollinators and our local habitats.” said Routley.