# RES, # EC

Established in 1925, Zagreb Zoo is nestled in the heart of the historic Maksimir Park, surrounded by a lush forest of oak and hornbeam. From its very beginnings, the zoo has steadily evolved, placing a strong emphasis on preserving the park’s diverse dendroflora—its rich variety of woody plants.

Studying this dendroflora is essential for understanding the ecological importance and diversity of the plant life that contributes significantly to the zoo’s environment and overall biodiversity conservation efforts. The first in-depth study of the zoo’s woody plant life was conducted in 2006 by Igor Poljak as part of a dendrology thesis. This research identified 156 taxa, encompassing species, varieties, hybrids, and cultivars. Among them, 16 species were gymnosperms and 93 were angiosperms. The zoo’s dendroflora is particularly notable for its mix of native and non-native species, forming a uniquely rich collection that blends natural and exotic elements.

The zoo features species commonly found in local forest ecosystems, including hornbeam, linden (lime) trees, maples, hazel, and hawthorn. Additionally, species from various regions across Croatia have been introduced, such as beech, black pine, mountain pine, fir, spruce, ash, as well as protected species like yew and holly. Exotic trees from Asia and North America also enrich the collection, including Japanese pagoda trees, white mulberries, and honey locusts.

A standout aspect of the zoo’s dendroflora is its historic trees, such as the bald cypress and hybrid plane trees—believed to have been planted during the original development of Maksimir Park. The bald cypress is especially remarkable, towering at 34 meters in height with a trunk girth of 5.75 meters, making it one of the most impressive specimens of its kind in Croatia.

The Zagreb Zoo places a strong emphasis on visitor education, featuring informative plaques near trees throughout the grounds. A total of 118 woody plant taxa are labeled, offering detailed insights into both native and non-native species.

The rich diversity of woody plants not only enhances the quality of life for the animals but also adds an educational layer for visitors, promoting awareness of the importance of nature conservation. The zoo’s layout and landscape design are thoughtfully planned with respect to its historical setting and location within Maksimir Park, ensuring a harmonious integration with the surrounding natural environment.

Link: https://zoo.hr/biljke-zoo-vrta/

Link: https://zoo.hr/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/DENDROFLORA-Brosura-160x160_PRIPREMA.pdf

Summary:

Zagreb Zoo, nestled within the historic Maksimir Park, is home to a diverse collection of both native and exotic woody plant species. This rich variety not only enhances the zoo’s natural environment but also provides visitors with valuable educational insights, underscoring the significance of nature conservation.