By 1808Delaware
Keeping power lines clear is usually thought of as practical work, the kind of behind-the-scenes maintenance that helps prevent outages before they happen. This summer, that same work is also helping feed giraffes.
AEP Ohio and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium are celebrating the fifth year of their Trim to Treat® partnership with the return of Forestry Fridays, a summer event series that connects utility forestry, animal care, conservation, and a memorable guest experience in the Zoo’s Heart of Africa region.
From Power Lines To Animal Care
Through Trim to Treat®, AEP Ohio forestry crews donate some of the trees and branches they routinely clear from around power lines and equipment. Once delivered to the Columbus Zoo, those fresh trimmings become browse, a term used for leafy branches, twigs, and other plant material that can play an important role in animal diets.
For many animals, browse is more than food. It also provides enrichment, encouraging natural behaviors such as foraging, chewing, reaching, and exploring. For giraffes, the connection is especially easy to see, as fresh branches offer both nutrition and a more engaging feeding experience.
Last year, AEP Ohio surpassed 1 million linear feet of browse delivered to the Zoo since the partnership began in 2021.
“Our top priority is providing safe, reliable power to our customers, but seeing our work directly support another need in our community is incredibly rewarding for our entire team,” said Dale Hopkins, AEP Ohio forestry manager.
Forestry Fridays Return
On select Fridays this summer, Zoo guests will have the chance to meet members of AEP Ohio’s forestry team and take part in a complimentary giraffe feeding experience using fresh branches and twigs trimmed away from utility lines and equipment.
The Forestry Fridays series will take place in the Heart of Africa region from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on May 29, June 19, July 31, and August 28, 2026, while supplies last. Visitors can pick up a complimentary giraffe feeding voucher from the AEP Ohio forestry team during those hours. Vouchers may be redeemed anytime through October during scheduled giraffe feedings throughout the day. On Forestry Friday dates, feeding opportunities with browse will be available from 11:00 AM to noon. All dates and times are subject to change depending on weather and other factors.
A Partnership Built On Resourcefulness
The Trim to Treat® program highlights a simple idea with broad benefits: material that might otherwise be cleared and discarded can instead be put to use in animal care. That kind of resourcefulness fits naturally with the Zoo’s broader work in conservation and animal wellbeing, while also offering guests a visible example of how local partnerships can support wildlife in unexpected ways.
“Partnerships like this help tell a bigger story about conservation, sustainability, and resourcefulness across the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds,” said Dr. Jan Ramer, Senior Vice President of Animal Care and Conservation at the Columbus Zoo and The Wilds. “The browse provided through Trim to Treat® supports animals in our care while also helping guests better understand how collaboration within our community can directly benefit wildlife and animal wellbeing.”
Where To Learn More
Additional details and updates about Forestry Fridays are available through the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. To learn more about the Trim to Treat® partnership and how it works, visit AEPOhio.com/Trim-to-Treat.
