Plant-Based Sculptures of Peacocks, Giraffes, and Snails Installed at Philadelphia Zoo

Have you heard of the cool new plant-based sculptures at the Philly zoo? The Philadelphia Zoo has unveiled five enormous plant displays of giant animals and insects that are totally worth checking out.

When you walk in, you’ll be greeted by a massive butterfly sculpture with beautifully designed wings made up of 3,200 tiny plants. As you explore, you can spot towering topiary giraffes reaching an impressive 21 feet, a stunning peacock, a school of fish, and a gigantic snail the size of a car.

These sculptures, known as “ZOOtopiaries: Nature’s Sculptures,” were created by a company called Santoline, all the way from Quebec. They’re not your typical topiaries made from a single shrub. Instead, they’re mosaiculture creations, filled with thousands of tiny plants like alternanthera, also known as joyweed.

According to Dani Hogan, the manager of mission integration at the zoo, these unique sculptures are designed to represent different animals and insects by strategically placing individual plants to create striking textures and patterns. It’s like they’re giving you a peek into the fascinating world of plants and animals.

So, if you’re looking for a fun and educational experience, head to the Philly Zoo and marvel at these incredible plant-based sculptures. And remember, while you won’t find a snail exhibit at the zoo, there are plenty of real snails waiting to be discovered if you look closely enough!