ROYAL OAK, Mich. – The Detroit Zoo has launched a cricket breeding program that will help feed some of its animals.
In a statement Tuesday, the zoo said that crickets are part of the daily diet of approximately 1,900 animals on its grounds -- mainly amphibians, but also reptiles, birds and some mammals.
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The purchase of crickets has historically carried the highest cost of all food sources at the zoo – including meat, fish and produce at more than $98,000 per year.
--Photos courtesy of the Detroit Zoo
"This breeding program guarantees an unlimited supply of healthy crickets for our animals and will result in significant cost savings," said Scott Carter, chief life sciences officer.
The zoo said it will save approximately $225,000 in the first three years.
"This will allow more animals to have access to crickets and eliminate supply interruptions and health risks," said Carter. "It also reduces our carbon footprint by eliminating packing materials required for the shipment and delivery process."
In order to establish the program, a section of the Detroit Zoo's commissary was renovated and 4,000 adult breeder crickets were acquired.