Monday, December 8, 2014 Recently we had a large quantity of fire hose that was replaced by the vendor under warranty because of a defect. This required us to cut off the metal couplings and send them back to the vendor to be reinstalled on new hose. This left us with a large pile of waste hose, which was essentially garbage and had no further use within the fire department. In looking for ways to upcycle the hose, instead of placing nearly 4,000 feet of fire hose in the dumpster, Deputy Chief Schaffener contacted an organization called Hose2Habitat which specializes in finding those with old hose who are interested in donating it to use as enrichment items for animals in zoos. He was able to make contact with Mark Harris, a Veterinary Technician from the Great Adventure Safari who stated they would like to have the hose to make items for all of the animals in the safari. Some of the items made are hose balls, hammocks, and feeders for the monkeys, giraffes, lions, and elephants. At the 12/4/14 Township Council meeting a resolution was passed to sell the property, which was basically waste and had no useful purpose, to the Great Adventure Zoo for $1. On 12/8/14 the hose was picked up and delivered with the assistance of fire department staff. We are very pleased that what would have been waste needlessly discarded into a dumpster is going to a good home to have a positive effect on the animals at Great Adventure Safari.
