Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre (22 ha) zoo located in Hermann Park in Houston, Texas, United States. The zoo has more than 6,000 animals of more than 600 species. With 2.1 million visitors a year, it is the second most visited zoo in the United States. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The mission of the Houston Zoo is “The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals and inspires action to save wildlife.” The zoo has been a non-profit Houston Zoo Corporation since 2002 and was previously operated by the City of Houston. Called the most ambitious project in the then 88-year history of the zoo, the African Forest was officially opened on December 10, 2010. The exhibit is home to many African species such as Grant’s zebra, white rhinoceros, red hippo, Maasai giraffe, ostrich. . , chimpanzee and western lowland gorilla. In 2011, the Houston Press awarded the Houston Zoo a Best of Houston Award for Best New Ecosystem. On November 24, 2020, a new male pygmy hippopotamus named Silas arrived at the Houston Zoo from Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo. The McNair Asian Elephant Sanctuary is home to the Houston Zoo’s herd of Asian elephants. It has a 7,000-square-foot barn purpose-built for the bull elephants, a brand new expanded habitat with a boardwalk that offers an unobstructed view of the elephants in their new enclosure, and a 160,000-gallon swimming pool.
The Houston Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States, with more than 800 birds of more than 200 species. It includes several different birds such as the Mariana dove, the Micronesian kingfisher, the Congo peacock and the green strip. The mascot of the University of Houston, Shasta the Cougar, the carnivorous exhibit is also home to a lion, Malaysian tiger, leopard, American black bear, African wild dog, leopard and cheetah. The Sea Lion Pool is located next to the zoo entrance and is home to California sea lions Jonah, Cali, Kamia, TJ and his son Max. The Houston Zoo is an active partner in the AZA Species Survival Plan (SSP), a population management and conservation program for selected species in North American zoos. The Zoo supports more than a dozen conservation projects in Texas and around the world that contribute to the survival of endangered wildlife and habitats. Projects include the Houston toad, sea turtle, Attwater’s prairie chicken, Galapagos tortoise, Bornean orangutan, elephant, clouded leopard, African lion, frogs, Brazilian tapia, rhinoceros, African wild dog, chimpanzee, okapi and cheetah. The Houston Zoo offers a fun and unique experience that connects communities with animals and inspires to save wildlife. Every year, 2.4 million guests from around the world share in the wonder and majesty of creatures great and small, and learn how they can help save animals in the wild. Find your new pet among the more than 6,000 animals that call the Houston Zoo home. When you arrive, be sure to visit the Houston Zoo website to find out about special activities at your zoo. Don’t forget to check out this place in Houston too.
The Houston Zoo is home to wildlife from around the world. Gorillas, giraffes, elephants, cranes, turtles and many other species are waiting to teach you something you didn’t know about animals. More than two million visitors visit the zoo each year to explore an incredible variety of animals and ecosystems that provide visitors with an educational and fun experience. The zoo is open 363 days a year, closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. More than 6,000 residents with claws, fins, wings and hooves are kept busy by a dedicated and passionate team as they work around the clock to provide food, shelter and state-of-the-art medical care to hundreds of different species. In addition to world-class animal care, the zoo is a small town unto itself, with electricians, plumbers, accountants and more working to keep the zoo running smoothly for the safety and well-being of residents and guests. From taking care of huge elephant farms to finding the perfect ornaments for tiny leaf ants, taking care of animals is very important. Fortunately, the entire Houston Zoo family is firmly committed to connecting communities with animals and inspiring action to save wildlife. The zoo’s commitment to animal rescue extends far beyond its gates. The Houston Zoo supports wildlife conservation projects in more than 20 countries and strives to empower its guests to save animals in the wild in simple ways, like recycling old cell phones and bringing reusable bags to the grocery store.
In addition, a portion of every ticket and zoo membership goes to the important conservation work of the Houston Zoo and its partners. For those adventurous visitors who want to get even closer to their pets, there are options. Book an exclusive animal encounter experience and interact with amazing animals like sea lions, rhinos, sloths, elephants, cheetahs, and more. Or go behind the scenes with a zookeeper and travel to the zoo staff and see what it’s like to care for the animals every day. Stop by the giraffe feeding platform to eat a giraffe lunch, ride our wildlife carousel or take your kids to meet the goats. Whether your trip to Houston is for weeks or days, a Houston Zoo membership is a great way to enjoy the zoo year-round. Even if your travels take you far from Houston, a zoo membership gives you free admission or discounts at more than 100 zoos across the United States. If you are ever in need of home renovation or repair, click here.
