Spring Is in Full Bloom at Philadelphia Zoo with All‑New ZooTopiaries and Garden Experiences

Spring has officially arrived at Philadelphia Zoo, and with it comes a full slate of new garden experiences designed to celebrate nature, creativity, and connection. As the Zoo prepares for its busiest season, guests are invited to explore the 42‑acre campus through brand‑new ZooTopiaries, guided garden tours, fresh flowerbed designs, and insider tips for catching spring blooms at their peak.

Returning this season is the fan‑favorite “ZooTopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures,” officially opening Saturday, April 18, with three all‑new mosaic topiary animals created exclusively for Philadelphia Zoo in partnership with designers at Santoline Mosaïculture. These stunning living sculptures include a 10‑foot‑tall bald eagle honoring America’s 250th anniversary, a larger‑than‑life Galapagos tortoise celebrating the Zoo’s world‑famous resident Mommy, and a playful bear and cub marking the upcoming opening of Carey Bear Country. Together, the designs feature more than 8,800 plants arranged to mimic feathers, scales, and fur — blending art and horticulture throughout the campus.

Beyond the ZooTopiaries, spring brings a deeper look at the Zoo’s gardens through new guided garden tours, offered Tuesdays and Saturdays from April 18 through May 31. Led by knowledgeable docents, these hour‑long, semi‑private tours connect horticulture, habitat, and history, highlighting how plants support wildlife while shaping the Zoo’s legacy. Tickets range from $8–$10 per person in addition to Zoo admission.

This season also introduces new and sustainably designed flowerbeds, created in collaboration with Pennsylvania Horticultural Society designers. Key areas, including the Zoo’s main entrance, Flamingo Cove, and Backyard Kitchen, now feature native and pollinator‑friendly plants chosen to support biodiversity while enhancing visual beauty. In total, the PHS partnership spans 8,150 square feet and includes 78 plant species thoughtfully selected for multi‑season interest.

Springtime visitors can also follow the Zoo’s peak bloom schedule, which maps out when flowering trees and plants come to life across the grounds. From early April cherry blossoms near the PZ SEPTA Express Train to late‑April kwanzan cherries at Impala Lawn and magnolias lining the main entrance, the campus transforms into a living garden filled with pinks, purples, whites, and golds.

With more than 500 plant species, 40 garden beds, and over 1,500 trees, Philadelphia Zoo’s gardens are designed to be “pretty with a purpose,” supporting native wildlife while creating an urban oasis for guests. This spring, every path through the Zoo offers a fresh reminder that plants, animals, and people are deeply connected — and there’s no better time to explore that story than right now.