Philadelphia Zoo collaborations bring new look, feel, and scent to America's first zoo

You may head to the Philadelphia Zoo, excited to see it wide variety of animals from all over the globe. And, of course, you will. But starting this spring, there will be far more to take in than exotic wildlife. In addition to its many inhabitants, the Philadelphia Zoo is spending this year focused on reimagining the zoo’s garden and horticultural displays to bring even more beauty and life to the open spaces.

But America’s first zoo isn’t going it alone. Instead, it has opted to collaborate with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. The partnership will bring the expertise of and plant knowledge of PHS designers to showcase textures, colors, and even scents to those visiting the zoo.

Four highly visible garden areas ill aim to “create joy and inspire action to protect habitats,” according to Kory Aversa, of Aversa PR. PHS designer and procurement manager for the project, Sam Keitch, will lead the team to install 78 plant species over 8,150 square feet of zoo landscapes.

“Each living art piece is skillfully designed in meticulous patterns, creating the likeness of a giant giraffe, stunning butterflies, preening peacock, slow-moving snail and more,” said Aversa.

The displays will not only freshen up the walkways and grounds of the zoo, but many will also aim to “pay homage” to the zoo’s opening in 1874. Founded in 1827 itself, PHS makes an ideal partner for such throwbacks.

“PHS is proud to be the horticulture partner to bedrock institutions across the city, and we are thrilled to add the Zoo to our network,” said Matt Rader, President of PHS. “Philadelphia Zoo is a leading conservation and education organization so this was a natural partnership that aligns with our mission. We are excited to not only design new gardens but provide training opportunities for the fantastic team of horticulturalists at the Zoo.”

    Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Zoo
  

Coming of another successful Philadelphia Flower Show, the PHS designers are now hard at work on the zoo’s installation. One of its first goals is tackling the garden that is in front of the zoo’s elephant and calf statue near its entrance. Later this spring, a series of 18 large planters will debut in time for Flamingo Cove, opening ahead of summer. By fall, a variety of ecologically diverse plants will greet riders of the PZ SEPTA Express Train.

Additions by PHS are not the only changes happening to the landscape of the zoo. Starting in April, the zoo will also debut “ZOOtopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures,” a design concepted and created by Santoline Mosaiculture. This second partnership will bring a towering, three-dimensional mosaic topiaries spread throughout the zoo’s grounds. The works are geared at highlighting the interconnection of art, plants, and animals.

In total, the ZOOtopiaries will include 22 species of plants, reaching heights as tall as the 21-foot giraffe, which weighs in at over 9,400 pounds.

In total, the two plant-focused collaborations will revitalize over 42 acres of zoo gardens. Zoo staffing is excited for the connections and look forward to a spring of beautiful landscaping.

“Philadelphia Zoo is a destination where we invite all our guests to connect with all living things, not just the 1,900 animals in our care,” said Philadelphia Zoo President and CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman. “The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is renowned for the work they do to bring beautiful gardens to improve the health and well-being of communities, and we’re excited to add their expertise. Plants are vital to a healthy ecosystem that supports all life on Earth, and we hope this garden refresh and the addition of these eye-catching mosaic topiaries will spark a curiosity about how we can all be better stewards for the planet.”

The Philadelphia Zoo always has new and exciting exhibits and displays to share with its visitors. This spring is no different.

“The new ZOOtopiaries and garden beds in partnership with PHS will join the already opened East Coast premiere of Wildlife Rescue by Little Ray’s Exhibitions that currently has 13 animal statues spread throughout the campus to share stories about wildlife conservation,” said Aversa. “All three will be included with admission and are three new reasons to visit the Zoo this spring and summer!”

    Photo courtesy of the Philadelphia Zoo
  

The Wildlife Rescue by Little Ray’s Exhibition is currently on display at the zoo through Sept. 14. ZOOtopiaries will remain open through October. The PHS partnership and gardens will run through April and May, with additional new updates coming in both the summer and fall months of 2025.

The Philadelphia Zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last admissions to the park are at 4 p.m. The zoo is located at the corner of 34^th Street and Girard Avenue in the city’s historic Fairmount Park. SEPTA routes including bus runs and the Route 15 trolley make stops nearby.

Parking at the zoo is available for $19 per vehicle but is free for members. Members also are permitted free entry into the zoo daily. Those without memberships can reserve tickets ranging from $19 to $29 online here. Children under age 2 are free.

Memberships, group tickets, and special discounts are also available online. Dining and refreshments are sold inside the zoo.