PHILADELPHIA, PA — Spring isn’t just blooming at the Philadelphia Zoo—it’s coming to life in larger-than-life ways.
From towering living sculptures to guided garden tours and vibrant new flower displays, America’s oldest zoo is rolling out a season packed with fresh experiences designed to immerse visitors in both nature and creativity.
Kicking off April 18, the Zoo will debut three massive ZooTopiaries—living plant sculptures crafted from thousands of plants—marking a centerpiece of the region’s America 250 celebrations. These striking installations blend art, horticulture, and wildlife into a one-of-a-kind visual experience.
Among the highlights: a 10-foot-tall bald eagle honoring the birthplace of America, a sprawling Galápagos tortoise celebrating one of the Zoo’s most iconic residents, and a playful bear and cub offering a preview of the highly anticipated Bear Country exhibit opening later this spring.
A Garden Experience Like No Other
Beyond the eye-catching topiaries, the Zoo is expanding how visitors experience its 42-acre campus.
New guided garden tours will launch the same day, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Zoo’s landscapes, history, and ecological design. Held weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays, these docent-led tours are designed for both casual visitors and dedicated garden enthusiasts.
The Zoo is also introducing newly designed flowerbeds in partnership with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, bringing fresh color and texture to key areas throughout the grounds. For the first time, guests can follow an insider “peak bloom” guide curated by the Zoo’s horticulture team to find the most stunning seasonal displays.
“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,” said Philadelphia Zoo President & CEO Dr. Jo-Elle Mogerman.
Horticultural Manager Tim Dunham added that the Zoo’s gardens are designed to be “pretty with a purpose,” blending beauty with sustainability and wildlife support.
Take It All In—From the Ground or Above
Visitors can explore blooming pathways lined with cherry blossoms, magnolias, and flowering trees—or take in the full view from above on the Philly Zoo Pherris Wheel, now entering its first spring season.
With more than 1,500 trees, 500 plant species, and dozens of curated garden beds, the Zoo offers a unique mix of wildlife habitats and botanical beauty—creating an experience that feels as much like a garden retreat as a traditional zoo visit.
Event Details
- What: ZooTopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures & Spring Garden Experiences
- When: Begins Saturday, April 18, 2026 (Garden tours run through May 31 on select dates)
- Where: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 West Girard Avenue, Philadelphia, PA
- Cost/Tickets: Included with Zoo admission; garden tours $8–$10 additional per person
- More Info: https://philadelphiazoo.org
Garden tours are offered:
- Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m.
- Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
(Advance arrival recommended; capacity is limited.)
Whether you’re drawn by the towering topiaries, the vibrant blooms, or the chance to explore one of Philadelphia’s most iconic destinations in a new way, this spring at the Zoo offers something for everyone looking to reconnect with nature—and with the season.
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