
The San Diego Zoo started 2025 with a roar, taking home the prestigious Sweepstakes Award at the 136th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. This marks the second consecutive win for the zoo, solidifying its reputation for crafting breathtaking floats that captivate both judges and spectators.
The award-winning float, Friendship Across the Earth, celebrated the zoo’s global conservation efforts. At its center were the zoo’s beloved giant panda bears, recently returned to San Diego, surrounded by depictions of diverse Asian wildlife. The float showcased the Wildlife Alliance’s work in preserving ecosystems across the continent, illustrating the zoo’s commitment to international partnerships in conservation.
Crafted by Artistic Entertainment Services in Azusa, the float was a towering spectacle, standing over 50 feet tall. It featured 700,000 individual plants from more than 3,100 species, blending artistry with ecological awareness in a stunning floral display.
“We are honored to share that San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance has won the Sweepstakes Award at the 136th @Rose_Parade,” the zoo posted on Instagram. “A collective win for our team members, volunteers, wildlife allies, and partners around the world!”
Local Excellence at the Parade
San Diego’s presence at the Rose Parade didn’t stop with the zoo. Two additional floats with ties to the city also earned top accolades. The OneLegacy Donate Life float received the Extraordinaire Award for the most extraordinary float, while The UPS Store, Inc. float took home the Judge’s Award for its outstanding design and dramatic impact.
A Tradition of Beauty and Creativity
The Sweepstakes Award, the highest honor of the parade, is given to the float deemed the most beautiful overall, with entries evaluated for creative design, floral presentation, artistic merit, and entertainment value. This year’s parade featured 40 floats, each vying for recognition from the judges. Winning floats carried their banners proudly as they rolled down Pasadena’s streets, delighting thousands of attendees and millions watching from home.