PHILADELPHIA, PA - The Philadelphia Zoo is preparing for its busiest season yet by unveiling new botanical attractions that aim to attract more visitors and celebrate spring on its historic 42-acre campus. This year, the oldest zoo in America is proving that its flora is just as captivating as its fauna, rolling out a slate of new botanical attractions that promise to delight visitors of all ages.

The Return of ZooTopiaries

Opening on Saturday, April 18, at the Philadelphia Zoo, the fan-favorite "ZooTopiaries: Nature's Sculptures" returns with three brand-new, massive mosaic plant sculptures exclusively designed for the Philadelphia Zoo. Created in partnership with Santoline Mosaïculture, these living art pieces require 8,800 plants in total and highlight the beautiful intersection of nature, art, and wildlife.

The new topiary additions include:

  • Bald Eagle: Celebrating America's upcoming 250th anniversary (and nodding to the Philadelphia Eagles), this 10-foot-tall, 4,400-pound masterpiece features 3,200 individual plants, offering a unique opportunity for visitors to experience art and wildlife together.
  • Galapagos Tortoise: A 12-foot-long tribute to the Zoo's oldest resident, Mommy the tortoise. Weighing in at 6,400 pounds, it is crafted from 3,100 plants.
  • Bear and Cub: Standing 8 feet tall, this playful duo is made from 2,500 plants and celebrates the highly anticipated opening of Carey Bear Country later this spring.

"What started 150+ years ago as Victorian gardens has now transformed into an ecologically friendly garden landscape focused on being an oasis for wildlife and native species," noted Horticultural Manager Tim Dunham. "We like to call it 'pretty with a purpose,' fostering community pride and shared stewardship."

A Greener Campus with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

To further elevate the guest experience, the Zoo has partnered with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) to revitalize four key garden beds across the campus. Encompassing over 8,150 square feet and featuring 78 distinct plant species, the new designs focus heavily on native and pollinator-friendly flora.

Visitors arriving at the main entrance will be greeted by a carefully curated mix of sun and shade plants. Meanwhile, the areas around the Backyard Kitchen and the SEPTA PZ Express Train have been transformed into multi-season relaxing spots. These fresh designs invite visitors to explore and enjoy a vibrant urban oasis where both people and wildlife can thrive.