Most commonly associated with family homes and small public buildings, a Wilo AF 150 rainwater utilisation system has been installed to supply water to the ZSL Whipsnade Zoo’s new rhino pool. The system collects rainwater in a 30,000 litre underground tank which is fed into the pool to provide clean water for the rhinos to shower and bathe in. During periods in which there is insufficient rainfall to maintain the required supply, the level is automatically replenished with potable water from the mains, meaning there is always a plentiful supply of water, regardless of our unpredictable British weather. The new facility, called Rhinos of Nepal, is a new additional indoor facility and the pools are heated, allowing the animals to wallow in warm water all year round.

The Wilo AF150 system was specified by WPL - an internationally recognised leader in the design, manufacture and supply of standardised and bespoke environmental solutions for wastewater treatment, rainwater storage and re-use. Business Development Manager, Andrew Baird, said: “WPL uses Wilo pumps and controls on all our commercial applications for rainwater harvesting and while it’s a new business area for us, it is certainly one which is becoming increasingly popular with customers who want to cut back on their consumption of mains water, whether for environmental or cost-saving reasons. To date, we’ve installed around five large systems, similar to that at the zoo and on each occasion WPL has worked closely with Wilo to produce a product range that meets our customers’ unique requirements and differentiates WPL’s product offering.”
 
Sue Claydon from Wilo added: “Our products are normally used by human end-users but we are delighted that our rainwater harvesting system has been selected to play a positive role in the lives of the greater one-horned rhinos at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. The user-friendly system will help reduce the consumption of mains water, helping to preserve natural resources and providing a ready supply of water for the rhinos to enjoy in their new home.”