ROYAL OAK, July 25, 2009 (AP): Visitors to the Detroit Zoo can hear many sounds coming from lots of animals, but they won't be hearing much from the zoo's 40 golf carts much longer.

The carts' gasoline engines are switching to solar-electric hybrid power. The carts have a regenerative braking system that returns power to the cart when the brakes are engaged. The solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, reducing the need for standard outlet charging.

The animal, maintenance, landscaping, park safety, education, events, marketing and public relations staffs use the carts to transport equipment and people around the 125-acre zoo. Zoo officials tell The Daily Tribune of Royal Oak that by replacing fossil fuel with solar power, the zoo is reducing its carbon dioxide emissions from golf carts by about 450 pounds a year.

Information from: The Daily Tribune, http://www.dailytribune.com