We’re officially listed as the home of National Collections for three different groups of cacti (Copiapoa, Matucana and Turbinicarpus), which we’re really proud of!
Cacti are found throughout the Americas, mostly living in extremely hot climates like Chile, Peru and Mexico. Our zoo greenhouses are kept at a toasty temperature to keep the cacti warm and snug, especially during winter.
Cacti grow spines, which are leaves that are specially modified to prevent water loss, and to protect themselves from being eaten. Without the help of some animals, however, the cacti wouldn’t be able to survive. They depend on pollinators such as mice, woodpeckers and bats which feed on the nectar of cactus flowers and in exchange carry the plant’s pollen from one plant to another, helping them to reproduce. A great example of how plants and animals work together to survive.
Over the years our horticulturists have become skilled at growing these tricky plants, safeguarding the future of the species, with over 700 individual cacti to look after at the zoo.
Step inside our National Plant Collection of cacti. They’re mesmerising not just because of their interesting, often intimidating looking spines, but many also bloom big, beautiful flowers.
We're home to over 2000 carnivorous plants, making our collection one of the largest ever in the UK.
These incredible plants are kept in special conditions at the zoo.
We have more than 1500 individual species of cacti at the zoo.
