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SSA Group enhances sustainability at Henry Vilas Zoo

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SSA Group Henry Vilas Zoo

Improved retail and food are part of a new deal.

SSA Group, an award-winning provider of visitor amenities, has announced a partnership with Henry Vilas Zoo in Madison, US. The firm started to enhance the Wisconsin attraction’s guest service operations in April 2022.

The award-winning zoo is a free-admission attraction and a member of AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SSA Group has been appointed to provide and update integrated food, catering and retail services at the site’s venues. SSA has already made strides by implementing new technology elements that enhance the guest experience such as mobile ordering at all food locations.

Eco-friendly consumption

SSA Group Henry Vilas Zoo Food

SSA Group has helped transition the zoo to more sustainable materials throughout the site. For instance, catering locations now benefit from compostable and washable serveware and cutlery, and water is being bottled in aluminium instead of plastic bottles.

The gift shop now implements a bag-free system, with an increased selection of eco-friendly products available in the retail offering, which uses biodegradable hang tags.

The campus has also seen a sharp decline in single-use plastics where possible, along with other sustainability practices that have taken place.

In addition, SSA has selected local vendors including Colectivo Coffee and Chocolate Shoppe Ice Cream to offer guests drinks and confectionary with lower carbon footprints.

Looking forward

SSA Group chief operating officer Travis Kight says: “We are thrilled for Henry Vilas Zoo to join the SSA family! They are an amazing asset to the Madison and Dane County community and we look forward to partnering with their team to enhance the overall guest experience across food, retail and catering.”

SSA Group Henry Vilas Team

The attraction partner also has revealed some future plans for the site through a series of forthcoming projects. Various retail spaces will be refreshed, and innovative new food offerings will sit at the core of the firm’s short-term strategy.

The SSA Group recently announced that it is developing a Climate Action Plan for the company, working with Verdis Group, a leading sustainability consultant.

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Adam Whittaker

Adam studied Marketing and Advertising Management at Leeds Beckett University. Originally from Lancashire and now based in Norfolk, UK, you can usually find him appreciating art deco design or on a roller coaster.

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