Historic Ferryboat Renovated Into a Floating Spa

For those of you who like to multi-task on vacation, the <a href="http://lazoo.org/botanicalgardens/" target="_blank">Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens</a> are an incredible mix of animal and plant life. With so much to see, you won't even notice you've been to two attractions at once.

The botanical gardens at the LA Zoo are scattered throughout the grounds in 15 different collections. They feature over 800 different plant species with a total of over 7,400 individual plants.

Integrated into the habitats, the botanical gardens are an important park feature for both the zoo visitors and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/biologists-studying-nycs-interesting-impact-on-urban-wildlife-evolution/" target="_blank">animals</a>.

The biggest and most abundant collection of plants in the gardens is referred to as "browse". These acacia, eucalyptus, ficus, and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/silkworms-munch-mulberries-dye-to-produce-naturally-flourescent-silk/" target="_blank">mulberry</a> plants not only fill the zoo landscape, but also provide food for the animals.

An extensive collection of indigenous plants can be found in the native garden. This is filled with species that can only grow in the unique climate of southern California.

Additionally, the zoo serves as a plant collection center for illegally imported specimens confiscated from government agencies. Rare bulbs, <a href="http://inhabitat.com/eco-house-sold-for-world-record-72m/" target="_blank">orchids</a>, and cacti are often rescued from smuggling and put on special display in the botanical greenhouse.

The LA Zoo and Botanical gardens uniquely educates the public of the important role plants play to sustain eco-systems and wildlife. The animals need and enjoy the botanical gardens just as much as we do!