Critically Endangered Rhinos Keep Warm with Mitsubishi Electric's Sustainable Heating System

Chester Zoo in northern England has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric to implement a more sustainable heating system for its critically endangered Eastern black rhinos. The new system creates a stable and comfortable environment for the rhinos while reducing energy waste.

Chester Zoo, located in northern England, has been dedicated to animal conservation and welfare for almost a century. Home to over 37,000 animals across 500 species, the zoo is recognized globally for its groundbreaking work in species protection and reintroduction programs.

Among the zoo's most endangered inhabitants are the Eastern black rhinos, a subspecies that has faced severe population decline due to poaching and habitat loss. To ensure the well-being of these magnificent animals, Chester Zoo has partnered with Mitsubishi Electric to implement a state-of-the-art heating system that not only provides optimal comfort but also aligns with the zoo's broader sustainability goals.

The Eastern black rhinos require a carefully controlled environment to thrive. Their habitat features large open doors for free movement, but this design can lead to substantial heat loss, especially during the colder months. Mitsubishi Electric's heat pump technology addresses this challenge by providing a stable temperature range of 18 to 24 degrees Celsius, creating a comfortable environment for the rhinos while minimizing energy waste.

The heat pumps operate on a highly efficient principle. They draw in heat from the outside air or ground, even on cold days, and use a refrigerant liquid to amplify that heat through compression. The resulting warm air is then circulated throughout the rhino habitat, maintaining the desired temperature without excessive energy consumption.

"We have some very unique users in our buildings, with very, very specific environmental conditions," explained Jennifer Kelly, Chester's head of sustainability. "Every building on our site has a different environmental condition that we need to create to have the best animal welfare standards and habitat conditions."

The rhinos have been quick to adapt to the new heating system, and the zookeepers have observed no noticeable changes in their behavior. "We haven't had any feedback that they've noticed that their heating has changed at all. If anything, we can claim a real success in terms of maintaining that high heat demand that they have in that we had a calf earlier this year," added Kelly.

The partnership with Mitsubishi Electric is a significant step in Chester Zoo's ongoing commitment to reducing fossil fuel use and promoting sustainability. The zoo hopes that the success of the air source heat pumps in the rhino habitat will demonstrate the wider potential of this technology in residential and commercial settings.

"Our zoo will be 100 years old in 2031, so we do have some quite historic building stock on site that we need to retrofit," said Kelly. "So far, we haven't found an application where an air source heat pump wouldn't work."

Chester Zoo's dedication to innovation and sustainability is a testament to its unwavering commitment to animal welfare and environmental stewardship. By partnering with Mitsubishi Electric, the zoo is not only ensuring the well-being of its critically endangered rhinos but also paving the way for more sustainable heating solutions across the globe.