Thousands of flower sculptures have been installed at Jersey Zoo to celebrate 100 years since the birth of its founder, the renowned conservationist Gerald Durrell, who passed away in 1995. The striking meadow of 5,000 flower sculptures, created by artist Stuart Semple, serves as a heartfelt tribute to Durrell’s lifelong dedication to wildlife and nature conservation.
The sculptures are made entirely from 100% renewable plant-based ingredients, reflecting both an artistic and environmental commitment. Drawing inspiration from Durrell’s own writings, many of the flowers represented in the display are those he cherished most, making the installation a beautiful celebration of wildflowers and the interconnectedness of animals, plants, and their habitats.
Lee Durrell, who became the honorary director of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust shortly after Gerald’s death, described the artwork as “fabulous” and praised it for capturing the spirit of Durrell’s passion for the natural world. She emphasized that the display not only honors her late husband’s legacy but also serves to raise awareness of the urgent need to protect endangered species and fragile ecosystems worldwide.
The flower meadow will be on display at Jersey Zoo until 30 September, and visitors are encouraged to take a flower from the exhibit as a symbol of support for Durrell’s ongoing conservation efforts around the globe.
Artist Stuart Semple acknowledged the challenge of planting so many sculptures, calling it “a total mission,” but expressed hope that the installation will inspire visitors to appreciate the natural world and recognize the importance of preserving it for future generations.