Here at Perth Zoo, we’re as passionate about our botanical estate as we are our animals.

In fact, the Zoo was Perth’s very first botanical garden!  

This year marks 125 years since two Norfolk Island Pines (Araucaria heterophylla) were planted at the Zoo by a couple of special guests.  

You’ll spot these two 45-metre-tall trees on the outskirts of our Australian Bushwalk habitat.

The pair of iconic Norfolk Island Pines, aptly named the Duke and Duchess pines, are some of the oldest trees on our South Perth site.

But their royal names aren’t just for fun, they come with a fascinating story marking a special moment in the Zoo’s history.  



Let’s wind back the clock back to 1901.

During the very first royal tour of Australia by a future British monarch, the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall, who later went on to be King George V and Queen Mary, visited Perth.

One of the stops they made was Perth Zoo!

Horticulture Team Leader Kath Mauger said the royal couple each planted a tree to mark the occasion.

“The royal party arrived by barge from Parliament House, just across the river, and made their way to the highest point of the Zoo,” Kath said.

“Known at the time as ‘the hill’, the site was chosen for its sweeping views across Melville Water and the Swan and Canning rivers.”

“While the Duke planted his tree himself, it's reported the Duchess received a helping hand from government official Sir John Winthrop Hackett,” 

“In those days, it wasn't considered proper for royal ladies to get their hands dirty!” 

And ever since, the tree-mendous pines have been affectionately known as the Duke and Duchess Pines.

The trees were carefully selected by Perth Zoo's head horticulturist at the time, Henry Steedman. 

He knew their distinctive shape would make them grow into an impressive feature of the Zoo’s botanical estate and that they would thrive in Western Australia's coastal climate.

At around 45 metres high, the pines measure around the same height as a 12-storey building – they’re hard to miss!

Perth Zoo was Perth’s very first botanical garden, and these two towering trees are a remarkable reminder of our rich history.

The pines are in excellent health, a testament to the dedication and expertise of our horticultural team.

Each year the team take a moment to celebrate the special milestone, admiring the trees magnificence in all their glory!

Known to live for up to 400 years, we hope the Duke and Duchess pines will continue watching over Perth Zoo for centuries to come.