Lincoln Park Zoo is excited to announce that it is now an accredited botanic garden by the Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI). This accreditation recognizes the zoo as a botanic garden that excels in conservation and sustainability and introduces Lincoln Park Zoo to a global network of likeminded botanic gardens committed to plant conservation and reversing the threat of extinction facing plants. There are more than 1,800 total plant taxa across the 49 acres of Lincoln Park Zoo and its Nature Boardwalk. Of note, the zoo cares for special plant collections of North American native hydrangea and the country’s only accredited perennial herbaceous hibiscus collection. The Botanic Gardens Conservation International is focused on addressing the challenge of securing plant diversity for the well-being of people and the planet. Promoting the role of botanic gardens in plant conservation, policy, practice, and education is at the forefront of BGCI’s mission. This accreditation comes on the heels of Lincoln Park Zoo’s upgraded accreditation as a Level III Arboretum by The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program. For more information about Lincoln Park Zoo, its horticulture program, or gardens, visit lpzoo.org.

Photo Credit: Lincoln Park Zoo