Gripsure’s support helps create homes for sloths at Edinburgh Zoo

Gripsure donated 60 square metres of its non-slip sustainable Bamboo decking, which has created a visitor walkway through the enclosure. This is the new home for Moana and Fiera – Scotland’s only sloths.

RZSS is the wildlife conservation charity which leads Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park. Diverse and dedicated teams care for almost 3,000 amazing animals across both zoos and carry out cutting-edge science and research. RZSS wild experts support an incredible range of projects and direct conservation action, from the Highlands of Scotland to sloth’s native home, South America.

Mike Nicholson, Gripsure’s Managing Director, said: “We are proud to be a Supporting Partner of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland. As a company that works with timber, we take our responsibility towards the environment very seriously indeed. We have been developing new and innovative ways for the company to make a positive impact so our partnership with the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an important step for us.

“We know that many of our customers share our ethos. That’s why we are committed to offering them a range of high-quality sustainable non-slip decking, both for commercial and residential projects.

“It is fantastic to see how our non-slip decking has helped to create a safe visitor walkway through this wonderful new home for Scotland’s only sloths. We are delighted to have donated our sustainable decking for this innovative new attraction, which introduces visitors to the wonders of South American wildlife.”

The decking is made from Moso bamboo, a fast-growing giant grass species which stores huge amounts of carbon in its vast root network. Research from Delft University has shown that timber produced from Moso bamboo is a net carbon sink over its life span, even taking into account the transport and manufacturing process.

All Gripsure decking is certified under the industry flagship standards of FSC and PEFC. These independent certification schemes show that the timber has been sourced from responsibly managed forests. Gripsure Bamboo has been developed as a more sustainable alternative to slow-growing hardwoods.
The exhibit also features Gripsure Graphics. Edinburgh Zoo has used this innovative new non-slip decking to create fun, educational messaging for visitors. Staff said Gripsure decking helped to establish the perfect environment for the new arrivals – and their fans.

“The decking featured in the main walkway flows incredibly well with the exhibit, allowing our visitors to walk right through and become immersed in the natural look and feel of the space, which is wonderful,” said Beccy Angus, Head of Discovery and Learning at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland.

“As a wildlife conservation charity, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do. Bamboo was selected as a sustainable material both in the immediate production and in the future as it can be recycled. Gripsure’s generous donation has helped our charity create and deliver a first-class visitor experience within our new sloth building.”