The Philadelphia Zoo is dressing up as the weather turns warmer.<\/p>\n
Come out to see the return of \u201cZooTopiaries: Nature\u2019s Sculptures\u201d featuring three new mosaic topiary animals; new guided garden tours on Tuesdays and Saturdays; new blooming flowerbeds designed by the experts at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society; plus, an insider\u2019s guide from the zoo\u2019s horticulture team are giving spring a boost.<\/p>\n
\u201cHave you ever noticed that it says Zoological Gardens on the ironwork at our historic gate?\u201d said zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. \u201cThe many gardens and trees work with our 1,900 animals on our 42-acre campus to create a one-of-a-kind experience With more than 1,500 trees, 500 plant species and 40 garden beds, our grounds blend nature, wildlife and historic architecture into America\u2019s first zoo. Plants are essential to a healthy ecosystem, and we hope all of our new garden programming will spark a curiosity about what we can all do to take better care for the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Zoo has teamed up once again with the designers at Santoline Mosa\u00efculture to bring back three new mosaic topiary animals. The new creations include a bald eagle for America 250th Anniversary, a larger-than-life Galapagos tortoise to celebrate the zoo\u2019s oldest resident and playful mother and baby bear for the anticipated grand opening of Carey Bear Country later this spring.<\/p>\n
Spread out across the campus, these figures highlight the interconnection of art, plants and animals. Each is skillfully designed in meticulous patterns, creating likenesses of feathers, scales and fur.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur small but mighty team of horticulture experts puts their all into creating beautiful spaces and wow moments for our guests to immerse themselves in,\u201d said horticultural manager Tim Dunham. \u201cWhat started 150-plus years ago as Victorian gardens has now transformed into an ecologically friendly garden landscape focused on being an oasis for wildlife and native species. We like to call it \u2018pretty with a purpose.\u2019 You\u2019ll notice all the fine details if you look for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plants of different textures, colors and scents come together in each of the zoo\u2019s garden beds to create the perfect setting for time together with family and friends. In collaboration with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the zoo is in the process of enhancing four garden beds in key locations as a part of its mission to be an urban oasis where people and animals thrive. These garden beds are blueprinted by designers at PHS.<\/p>\n
In 2025, the new designs included the garden beds in front of the zoo\u2019s Elephant and Calf statue near the main entrance.<\/p>\n
This garden bed features bright and colorful pollinator plants like prairie coneflower and butterfly weed to attract and be a food source for bees, butterflies and birds. Guests can now enjoy a series of more than 18 large planters next to Flamingo Cove. The planters feature small flowering or evergreen trees surrounded by plants like Plectranthus \u201cmona lavender,\u201d hydrangea and begonia.<\/p>\n
To celebrate spring and give guests a new way to experience the historic grounds, the zoo will be offering semi-private garden tours every Tuesday and Saturday through May 31.<\/p>\n
These hourlong tours are led by knowledgeable docents and weave together horticulture, history and habitats. This tour will highlight the plants that shape the garden, the people and events that shaped its past, and the diverse habitats that support birds, pollinators and other wildlife.<\/p>\n