Thousands of Gerald Durrell's favourite flowers transform Jersey Zoo

Jersey Zoo is in 'Bloom' thanks to a one-of-a-kind exhibition, featuring thousands of Gerald Durrell's favourite flowers.

5,000 sculptures of six of the zoo founder's favourite flowers have been planted outside his former home in the grounds in Trinity.

It is part of celebrations throughout 2025 to mark what would have been Gerald Durrell's 100th birthday, and to raise money for the cause he loved.

Durrell’s Honorary Director Lee Durrell says 'Bloom' reminds her of so many things about Gerald Durrell.

"His passion for wildflowers, his fondness for sketching fanciful animals and plants, his conviction that the diversity of life on earth should be cherished and safeguarded and, finally, his optimism that this can be achieved if we all work together.

"He would have loved the fact that the flowers in Bloom will ultimately find their way to the homes of Durrell supporters all around the world!"

The colourful meadow has been created using an eco-friendly bioresin, which is 100% renewable and plant-based.

Jersey Zoo in Bloom took eight months to build, using 3D printers, with each flower taking around seven to eight hours to print.

Each of the flowers has been painted in one of six colours, finished with a lick of glow-in-the-dark paint.

The artist behind the 3D-printed meadow, Stuart Semple, found inspiration for the meadow after discovering notes of Gerald, which spoke about flowers that resonated the most with him.

He says he loves the fact that 5,000 people will be able to take one home and live with it after the exhibition.

"That's the message behind the whole thing: one person can make such a difference.

"When all the flowers are together, it's one thing, but when they live in your home, that's something else.

"Of course, when we think of Gerry, that's exactly what he did. He's one person who inspired generations and generations of conservation.

"So hopefully whenever people see the flower in their house, they think about the world around us, the habitats that are at risk and the wonderful creatures that we need to save."

Durrell members and zoo visitors will be able to purchase a flower when they see the exhibition.

Once it is over, on 30 September 2025, they will be sent across the island and the world to their new owners.

Durrell has launched fundraising campaigns in the past, where artists have been encouraged to design statues of gorillas and tortoises.

Durrell CEO, Rebecca Brewer, says the charity is so excited to be able to share 'Bloom' with our visitors, supporters and the wider community.

"This year is a special year for Durrell as we celebrate 100 years since the birth of our remarkable founder, Gerald Durrell.

"The vibrant colours of the Bloom flowers are a beautiful reminder of Durrell’s mission to create a wilder, healthier, more colourful world for us all to enjoy.

"I hope everyone can come and see the installation this summer and love it as much as we all do!"