If you’ve walked through Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and admired the vibrant plant life, there’s a quirky secret behind those lush gardens: Zoo Doo compost. Yes, it’s made from animal poop—but not just any poop. This all-natural fertilizer is a sustainable gardening solution created from the manure of the zoo’s herbivorous animals like giraffes, zebras, elephants, and rhinos.
What Is Zoo Doo Compost?
Zoo Doo is a chemical-free compost made from the droppings and bedding of Woodland Park Zoo’s non-carnivorous animals. The composting process is managed on-site to ensure the material is fully broken down, safe, and packed with nutrients that enhance soil health.
Unlike traditional fertilizers, Zoo Doo is tested, cured, and naturally processed—making it a gardener’s dream for improving soil texture and boosting plant growth.
Why Gardeners Love Zoo Doo
Zoo Doo isn’t just a novelty—it’s a powerful, environmentally friendly soil amendment with real gardening benefits:
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Eco-Friendly Composting: Diverts animal waste from landfills and transforms it into usable, organic matter.
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Locally Made in Seattle: Reduces your carbon footprint while supporting local sustainability initiatives.
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Nutrient-Dense: Packed with nitrogen, potassium, and other plant-loving elements.
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Versatile Use: Ideal for flowers, shrubs, and vegetable gardens (though avoid using it directly on root vegetables).
What Is Fecal Fest?
Twice a year, the zoo hosts the cleverly named Fecal Fest—a lottery-based event where gardeners can purchase pre-filled buckets or even bring their own containers to scoop up Zoo Doo.
Quantities range from 25-gallon buckets (starting at $16.50) to 550-gallon truckloads. There’s also Bedspread, a mulch alternative made from animal bedding that’s perfect for top-dressing your garden.
Fecal Fest is a popular local event, so signing up early is key. Visit the Woodland Park Zoo Doo page to get on the mailing list.
Turning Animal Waste into Environmental Wins
Woodland Park Zoo’s composting program is more than just a clever idea—it’s a real step toward sustainability. By recycling waste from zoo animals into rich, garden-ready compost, the zoo reduces landfill impact and promotes eco-conscious gardening across the region.
If you’re passionate about composting, sustainability, or simply want a better garden this season, Zoo Doo is a unique, effective, and planet-friendly option to consider.
How to Get Zoo Doo for Your Garden
Ready to bring some zoo magic to your flower beds? Here’s how to get started:
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Visit the Zoo Doo page to sign up for the next Fecal Fest.
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Bring your own container or buy pre-filled buckets.
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Use gloves and follow composting tips when spreading Zoo Doo in your garden.
