Bloom art installation

Durrell are excited to announce Bloom, a floral art installation arriving at Jersey Zoo from 6 June to September 2025.

The limited-edition flower sculptures, which will be part of the installation, are available to purchase by the public now.

Inspired by Gerald Durrell’s story and passion, and designed by internationally acclaimed artist Stuart Semple, Bloom is a colourful meadow made up of almost five-thousand flower sculptures.

Bloom features six of Gerald Durrell’s favourite flowers; chrysanthemums, freesias, roses, scarlet pimpernel, crocuses, and pink magnolias, each made from eco-renewable recycled castor oil and plant fibres. Each flower is painted in a vibrant colour and finished with a coat of Semple’s ‘Lit’ glow-in-the-dark paint.

The installation is part of GD100, a year of celebrating what would have been Gerald Durrell’s 100th birthday. Gerald Durrell was a pioneer of the concept of zoo-led conservation, planting the seed that zoos should help combat threats faced by wildlife worldwide. Since then, Gerald’s ideas have blossomed into the global conservation organisation we know today, working to save species from extinction at Durrell’s headquarters in Jersey, Channel Islands, and at rewilding sites around the world. Each flower sculpture represents his long-lasting legacy and how one person’s achievements can flourish into something far greater
and wide-reaching.

“The flowers in Bloom are some of Gerry’s favourites, and I know he would’ve loved to see the colourful meadow pop up in the courtyard of his cherished Les Augres Manor, where he lived for so many years,” said Durrell’s Honorary Director Lee Durrell.

“The Bloom flowers are symbolic of the various members of the Durrell community, from donors and staff to visitors and global supporters. In fact, anyone who shares in Gerry’s vision of creating a wilder, healthier, more colourful world. The simple act of purchasing a flower sculpture supports our global conservation efforts and helps save species from extinction.”

The partnership between Stuart Semple and Durrell has resulted in a truly unique and captivating installation that blends art, technology, and environmental stewardship. Stuart has previously worked with Durrell on their Go Wild Gorillas and Tortoise Takeover sculpture trails. A multidisciplinary British artist whose work spans painting, performance, internet art, and installation, Stuart’s practice addresses sociological themes and contemporary anxieties. Often an activist in nature, his projects advocate for fairness, equality, and access in the arts.

“I’m so excited to be a part of this huge art installation in the grounds of Jersey Zoo. Comprising of thousands of 3D printed flowers made of bioresin, each flower species featured is inspired by Gerry’s favourite wildflowers,” said artist Stuart Semple.

“This project means the world to me, because ever since I visited Jersey Zoo as an 8-year-old child, it has had a place in my heart. I’m sure you can agree that now more than ever, Gerry’s philosophy, his ecology, and his conservation are vital to the planet. This is your chance to help wildlife and habitats by supporting the brilliant work that Durrell does.”