KSHB 41 reporter Claire Bradshaw covers portions of eastern Jackson County, including areas like Blue Springs and Independence. If you have a story idea to share, send an email to Claire at claire.bradshaw@kshb.com.
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There is a new addition on the tracks at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.
Dubbed “Cannonball," the new train is longer, more spacious for riders and can hold more people.
“Even though it's electric, it does still have the sounds of a train that has a motor to it. So it's still fun and exciting — kids still love it. And I look forward to not only this one but more in the future,” said Sean Putney, Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium CEO and executive director.
The zoo launched an electric train last week to replace one of the three gas-powered trains it currently runs.
Putney said the zoo has had gas-powered trains since the 1970s and that it was becoming harder to find replacement parts when needed.
But the environment is also top of mind for Putney. He said the zoo has a goal of being at carbon net zero by 2050.
As an Arctic Ambassador to stop melting ice caps, he said the zoo has to do what it can, and the electric train pushes them one step closer.
“Well, we can preach as much as we want, but if we aren't practicing what we preach, it doesn't send a very good message," he said. "So again, this is just one step that we can have a little bit less of a carbon imprint."
Putney said the zoo carts are charged by solar power and they are looking at other ways to be energy efficient.
KC Zoo & Aquarium posted on Facebook that it is estimated “Cannonball” will save it 3,240 gallons of gas per year.
Putney said if all goes well, he anticipates phasing out the rest of the gas-powered trains with electric.
Putney said the new train was funded with surplus funds as the zoo saw a record-breaking year for attendance. Extra funds were also used to renovate the Australia train depot.
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