Zoo Houston
Houston Zoo - A 55-Acre Oasis in the Heart of Houston
The Houston Zoo is a 55-acre oasis in the heart of the city of Houston. Visitors can experience the wonders of the natural world, and be inspired by the many animals it houses. They can visit the zoo's educational center to learn about the animals and their habitats, and participate in activities that connect people and wildlife. Zoo Houston
The zoo has been open for over a century. In 2016, the zoo underwent a strategic planning process to determine its eight priorities for the future. One of these priorities is to become a leader in conservation. Through its conservation efforts, the zoo hopes to help protect and preserve wildlife in the wild.
Some of the zoo's current animal residents include elephants, giraffes, gorillas, otters, tortoises, and more. There are also a number of exotic amphibians and reptiles. Guests can view these animals through A/C-view enclosures. Additionally, visitors can observe the animals through nine exhibit webcams.
The zoo is home to a number of endangered species, including African elephants, Brazilian tapir, and Bornean orangutan. The zoo also supports a variety of conservation projects, such as chimpanzees, sea turtles, and prairie chickens. All of these projects help to save some of the most endangered species on the planet.
The zoo's animals are cared for by a team of professionals at the zoo. They provide state-of-the-art medical care and housing for their animals.
The zoo's education programs educate the public about the importance of protecting wildlife. Many of the zoo's animals are native to the United States, but they also have a wide variety of other species from all over the globe. For example, the zoo is home to several kinds of bats, including a realistic bat cave.
Besides the animals, the zoo has a large number of wildlife exhibits. These are divided into three main areas. They include the Bird House, the Elephant Habitat Area, and the Reptile House. Each of these exhibits is home to over 800 individual birds, with more than 200 different species.
The zoo's water play park is also located within the zoo and is included in the entry ticket. It features a tall "fill and spill" water tree, a number of fountains, and misters. This play area is ideal for a slow stroll, and it is especially good for kids. To make the most of this visit, remember to bring extra clothes for the water.
As part of its commitment to connecting people with nature, the zoo has a dedicated Docent Organization, which provides volunteer support for special events. They also purchase supplies and provide volunteer support for zoo interpretation. Guests can also choose to participate in a variety of zoo-sponsored programs, such as summer camps, school-age programs, and twilight tours.
The zoo offers an active partnership with the Species Survival Plan program of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which focuses on the protection of select species. Part of the price of each ticket goes towards the zoo's conservation efforts, and guests can take action to help save some of these animals in the wild.