TOLEDO, Ohio — Editor's note: The attached video is from a previous year's coverage of the Toledo Zoo Orchid Show, which aired on Feb. 16, 2022.
Even with days of unseasonably warm weather to come, spring still hasn't quite arrived. If you're anxious to see the first signs of the season, you can catch a sneak peek at the Toledo Zoo, where nearly 2,000 orchids will be on display.
The Toledo Zoo Orchid Show begins Friday, Feb. 10. During this temporary exhibit, visitors can admire over 1,800 rare and exotic orchids from around the world. In addition to viewing and learning about the plants, organizers said in a press release that classes on orchid cultivation, terrarium construction and photography are offered for those interested in a more hands-on experience.
Found in every habitat and biome besides glaciers and boasting an astounding 28,000 different species in the family Orchidaceae, orchids serve a variety of purposes around the world and across cultures. Though frequently cultivated for their beauty and unique appearance, the orchid family also includes vanilla - the very same vanilla used in cooking and baking.
The plants are also extremely prolific: according to scientists, there are four times as many species of orchid as there are species of mammal.
You can learn more - and see for yourself - when the Orchid Show opens on Friday. Orchids will be displayed in the facility's natural history museum and aquarium from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Feb. 10 through Feb. 26. The Orchid Show is included with the price of regular zoo admission.
Visitors interested in purchasing orchids can do so at a special event on March 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the natural history museum's great hall.
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