The Laelia anceps Project in the olive trees at the Santa Barbara Zoo

The Laelia Anceps Project was begun in 1997 as a cooperative effort between the Santa Barbara Zoological Garden and the Orchid Society of Santa Barbara. The purpose of the Orchid Society of Santa Barbara is educating the public about all aspects of orchids, and the Santa Barbara Zoological Garden is dedicated to the preservation, conservation and enhancement of the natural world and its living treasures through education, research and recreation.

The olive trees bearing orchids are behind the river otter compound, along the promenade next to the tracks of the Zoo's mini-train.

Two years ago, the Orchid Society of Santa Barbara donated $300 toward supplies to build a sprinkler system for the orchids in the trees at the Zoo. Jeff Thompson, OSSB member, worked with Zoo personnel to engineer and install the specialized sprinkler system into the trees,--quite a feat when you see the hoses snaking their way up each tree. The sprinkler system turns on automatically every morning at 7 a.m.

Thanks to the generosity of OSSB members, the Laelia anceps Project continues to grow and bloom. Fred Lukas donated many Laelia anceps from the “Gallup Tree Trunk,” perpetuating that historical tree (featured in Sunset Magazine several years ago). Bill Robson contributed a huge orchid plant that was already mounted on bark. It will extend its roots to the olive tree. Alice Gripp generously donated some beautiful plants from the Santa Barbara Orchid Estate. Randall Umland and Norman Wieder donated many great plants.

Norman and Joyce Wieder, and Randall Umland arrived at the zoo at 8 am to climb ladders and mount the additional orchids in the olive trees. Meryl Wieder was there with her camera to catch the action and helped Joyce with holding ladders and handing up tools to the guys on the long step ladders.