Zoo Brew 2020: Enjoy, Redeem, Recycle

Words by: Austin Lammers

Our annual collaboration with Hy-Vee and the Great Plains Zoo (GPZ) is returning to shelves for the summer, this time to promote the protection of the region’s pollinator populations.

Zoo Brew, A Tart Wheat Ale with Coriander and Grains of Paradise (4.0% Alc. by Vol.), will be available in six-packs across Sioux Falls in Early July. This is the fourth installment of Zoo Brew, a partnered project that began in 2017.

A portion of proceeds from each purchase supports the GPZ’s effort to conserve local pollinators, such as the Dakota Skipper — a crucial pollinator and prairie health indicator species Red-Listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Endangered — that the GPZ and Prairie Butterfly Conservation Program have partnered to protect.

“Most of the world’s fruit and vegetable producing plants are reliant on pollinators,” said Matt Eschenbrenner, Director of Animal Care and Conservation at GPZ. “If they’re missing within the environment, it becomes a dire situation. Not just for people, but for animals too. The entire ecosystem is dependent on them.”

Each colorful can comes painted with instructions for planting a homemade pollinator garden. Drinkers can redeem the cans for a free pack of pollinator seeds at the Great Plains Zoo or Fernson Downtown. 

“It’s a three-fold thing,” Eschenbrenner said. “People get to enjoy Zoo Brew, they get to bring their cans to the zoo for recycling, and they’ll receive a seed packet, which they can use to plant a pollinator garden at home. It’s a win-win-win for everybody.”