Powering the splash: SEC keeps Melbourne Zoo’s seals cool

04 December 2025

Melbourne Zoo’s seals are splashing about in comfort — thanks to 100% renewable electricity supplied by Victoria’s government-owned renewable energy company, SEC.

Behind the playful dives and waves is an energy-intensive operation that keeps the seals’ habitat as close as possible to the waters of Port Phillip Bay. From the ‘life support systems’ that circulate and clean the water, to the chillers that keep the temperature just right, every part of the exhibit is powered by renewable electricity.

“The life support systems for the seals — including chillers, wave machines, filters and ozone generation — all rely on electricity,” said Zoos Victoria Senior Manager Environmental Sustainability, Kiam Yoong.

“Most people don’t think about chilling animals, but for seals and penguins it’s essential to replicate the natural conditions they would experience in the wild.”

Zoos Victoria became the first zoo organisation in the world to be certified carbon neutral in 2013. Since then, it has continued to lead the way on sustainability and climate action.

Electricity is central to its work — powering everything from the enclosures designed to replicate the animals’ natural habitats, to water treatment and breeding programs for threatened species.

Melbourne Zoo’s water treatment plant, which recycles between 80 and 100 megalitres of water a year, also runs entirely on renewable electricity purchased from SEC. The recycled water is used to fill animal enclosures, maintain lakes, and irrigate gardens.

Zoos Victoria has already reduced its overall emissions by 70 per cent and, thanks to the partnership with SEC, this will now be further reduced. The organisation is also pursuing energy efficiency upgrades, electric vehicle adoption, and gas-free heating across its sites.

“Electricity is essential for animal care,” said Mr Yoong. “By making it 100 per cent renewable, we’re reducing the impact of climate change — the very thing threatening the species we care for.”

SEC General Manager, Customer Suzanne Retschko said she was proud to count a favourite Victorian attraction among the more than 4,000 Victorian Government sites powered by SEC.

"We are pleased to be partnering with the Zoo and supplying 100% renewable electricity to power their operations. We look forward to continuing the partnership and developing renewable, flexible demand, and broader decarbonisation initiatives that will help the Zoo meet its net-zero objectives,” Ms Retschko  said.

“These initiatives will enhance operational resilience — ensuring continuous, reliable energy supply for key habitats such as the elephant and seal precincts — while also helping reduce energy costs."

Learn more about SEC’s commitment to renewable generation here.