At this year’s Nutrition Advisory Group (NAG) Conference, hosted by the Oklahoma City Zoo, I had the joy of watching gorillas enjoy fresh banana leaves from Just Be Browse harvested straight from the garden in South Florida and completely pesticide- and herbicide-free. To keep them fresh, the leaves were wrapped in non-toxic, unbleached paper towels, sealed in a clean plastic bag, and packed in a separate suitcase compartment. The zoo’s head of nutrition even arranged a same

I’m heading to the NAG (Nutrition Advisory Group) Conference to learn more about zoo nutrition, the science of browse, and how specific plants support animal health and enrichment. From sourcing challenges to bamboo for pandas, this journey connects plants, animals, and purpose. Browse is leaf power.

Across the country, zoo animals are facing a quiet but growing challenge. The plants they rely on for food and enrichment are becoming harder to find, especially as major urban development continues across the South of the United States.

Discover how fresh, pesticide-free browse is grown, harvested, and shipped to zoos and wildlife centers nationwide. From acacia for giraffes and camels to tamarind for lemurs and mulberry for primates, learn why high-quality browse is essential for animal health, nutrition, and enrichment.