Eliza Northrop third-graders recycle old holiday lights to help protect lions

Students join Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s 'Lights for Lions' drive, turning donated light strands into support for carnivore conservation in Tanzania.

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Eliza Northrop Elementary third-graders are collecting old holiday lights to support lion and cheetah conservation efforts in Tanzania.

Students at Eliza Northrop Elementary School are asking the community to donate broken or used holiday lights and extension cords as part of an effort to support lion and cheetah conservation in Tanzania.

The school’s third-grade classes are partnering with the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo on its “Lights for Lions” recycling drive, which runs through Jan. 30, 2026. A bin is available near the school’s front office for anyone wishing to drop off nonworking or used strings of lights or cords. Packaging should not be included.

According to the zoo, proceeds from recycling the donated materials help fund Lion Landscapes, its conservation partner focused on reducing human-carnivore conflicts and developing long-term strategies to protect large carnivores in Tanzania. The organization provides conservation-related benefits to local communities living alongside lions and cheetahs.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Lion Landscapes work to reduce the negative impacts of carnivore presence by improving coexistence strategies, strengthening community partnerships and supporting on-the-ground conservation measures in East Africa.

Eliza Northrop students say they hope Medina residents will consider donating unwanted lights this winter to support the cause.

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