Preparing for Spring
Posted at 9:50 am April 4, 2006 by Deb Erickson-Morris
There are a lot of things happening here at the Wild Animal Park! Out in the Heart of Africa (HOA) habitat, animals are being shifted into new locations in preparation for the new railway system. Many more trees are being planted in HOA to enhance the exhibits as well. The new railway project is slated to begin this spring. So those of you that are familiar with the old WGASA Bush Line Railway tour have something wonderful to look forward to. Eventually, two separate tours will be available for our guests.
The Roar & Snore campgrounds are also new this year, offering upgraded accomodations. Also fast approaching is the Butterflies & Orchids event. Preparations are in full swing both inside the Park's Hidden Jungle and under the covered walkway. The carnivourous garden area has been jack hammered away to create a beautiful display of plants and flowers needed for the hatching butterflies. P.J. Rhodes, a lead gardener, is in charge of ordering all the nectar [color] and host plants needed to keep our fluttering friends happy. From the planning and purchasing to the planting, she and her crew (with the help of the Bird Department) have transformed this exhibit into a wonderland of color.
Keith Thomas, our other lead gardener, is responsible for the planning, purchasing, and designing of the orchid display. There will even be a water element added this year. With the help of gardeners Debbie, Kelly, Danny, and Pilar, the covered walkway in the Park's Nairobi Village will become a tropical treasure.
This is truly a magical time and well worth a visit. If you have the opportunity, stop by from April 8th thru 23 and enjoy the Butterfly & Orchid show. You'll be glad you did!
Deb Erickson-Morris works in the Plant Trader gift shop at the Wild Animal Park but is currently on loan in the Park's Horticulture Department. Read about the first days of her loan here.
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April 5th, 2006 at 11:37 am
Hi Deb. I've probably talked with you before since my grandson is an avid carnivourous plant fan. So I'm sorry to hear that your carnivourous garden is gone, at least for now. But we'll continue to enjoy the one at the Zoo. We hope to get up for the Butterfly and Orchid show next week. They both are spectacular! Thanks for giving us an update on it.