What is it and when did it begin?

IN 1998, FOTZ volunteer Denise Seletto launched our well known and very successful "Corks for the Elephants" campaign, where corks were collected for recycling and all proceeds were donated to the new 'Trail of the Elephants' exhibit.

With the exhibit now complete, the cork funds still being generated are used for ongoing needs of the elephants.

Just recently, these funds were used to purchase an ultrasound machine, a heavy duty washing machine for Bong-Su's boots, shade cloth to protect the elephants from the elements and for an upgrade to the gates operating system in the exhibit.

How much money is raised?

When the program first began, it took three months to raise just $50 and now the program generates around $800 per week! This shows what can be achieved when the community works together with the dedicated group of FOTZ volunteers who regularly collect, transport and sort the corks.

How many corks?

To date in excess of 43 million corks have been saved from landfill and sent for recycling!

What happens to the corks?

No, we don't give them to the elephants to eat! You will find recycled corks in floor tiles, place mats, cores for cricket and hockey balls, and non-slip surfaces just to name a few.

What else can we recycle?

FOTZ has found a local recycler of plastic wine stoppers so these are also being collected and sold. These stoppers are used to in the manufacture of underground cable covers. We now also collect and sell for recycling aluminium screw tops from wine bottles.

How to help?

• Save your corks, plastic stoppers, and aluminium screw tops from wine bottles, and bring them in to the Melbourne Zoo when you next visit. They can be dropped in specially marked bins at either entrance.
• Corks can also be dropped in at Healesville Sanctuary and Werribee Open Range Zoo
• You can also drop your cork collections into collection bins in most Dan Murphy Liquor Stores across Melbourne
• If you have a large amount of corks or plastic stoppers for collection or you are unable to transport them to the zoo or drop them into a collection bin, contact our office and collection will be arranged.
• If you are interstate and want to contribute you can post your corks to The Corks Coordinator c/- FOTZ Ltd, PO Box 161, Parkville VIC 3052. 
• FOTZ can supply collection boxes for any business or organisation wanting to assist this program. Contact the FOTZ office to arrange receipt of a collection box.