The Houston Zoo is a true gem in the heart of Hermann Park,
offering a unique and thrilling experience that's not to be missed. With 55 acres of lush, open-air exhibits and 6,000 animals from around the world, visitors can embark on a thrilling adventure, with a chance to see majestic African lions, exotic Malaysian Painted River Terrapins, and native Houston toads too, all in one place!
When we lived in Houston, we had a tradition of visiting the zoo twice a year to mark the start of the holiday season and the end of the school year. Each time we visited, we always discovered something new and exciting. The dazzling displays and twinkling lights were a thrilling spectacle in the winter, while the shaded enclosures, reptile buildings, and a nature playscape provided a refreshing escape from the heat in the summer. Its rich history and stunning natural surroundings, including the majestic old oak trees, ample shade and indoor spaces ensure that it's a great option for any-weather outing.
First things first! Having a map can be super helpful in navigating the zoo grounds. It can help you avoid getting lost or going in circles.You can easily access a map online or get a hold of one at the information kiosk upon arrival.
Sea Lion Spectacle: A Fin-tastic Start to Your Tour
The sea lion enclosure is a fantastic way to kick off the tour, and their playful and curious nature ensures you will be entertained and engaged from the start. Sea lions are known for their playful and curious nature, so it's likely that they're putting on a show for visitors.
7 Must-See Exhibits at the Zoo
A visit to the zoo is always a thrilling experience, and with so many fascinating animals to see, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few. However, here are our top 7 must-see exhibits that you won't want to miss:
1. Galapagos Islands
The zoo is home to the Galapagos Islands, a unique and fascinating habitat featuring animals such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, sharks, and Humboldt penguins. Visitors can explore the exhibit and get up close and personal with these incredible creatures that are native to this iconic island chain. All animals are kept in a comfortable, climate-controlled habitat that has been beautifully designed and equipped to ensure their well-being, while also offering stunning views and interactive experiences for visitors.
2. Reptile and Amphibian House
Step into the world of scaly creatures from around the globe. You'll meet some of the most venomous snakes and exotic amphibians on the planet. Each species is showcased in a naturalistic environment that will educate you on the wonders of these often-overlooked creatures. It has some impressive and fascinating species, including the Komodo dragon, Reticulated Python, and Amazon Milk Frog. The Komodo dragon's massive size and powerful bite make it a formidable predator,
while the Reticulated Python's impressive length and strength allow it to constrict its prey with ease. Meanwhile, the Amazon Milk Frog's unique adaptations, such as its ability to produce a toxic milk-like secretion on its skin, make it a fascinating and resilient creature in its own right.
3. Wortham World of Primates
The fascinating world of primates is full of diverse and intriguing species, each with their own remarkable characteristics. From the agile and fastest patas monkeys to the gentle and social orangutans to the playful antics of the lemurs, every primate species has its own unique personality, behavior, and adaptations that make them all the more captivating and awe-striking.
The winding boardwalk adds to the sense of adventure and discovery. As you twist and turn through the exhibits, keep your eyes peeled for the cleverly camouflaged primates that watch you silently from the trees.
With every turn, there's a new surprise waiting to be discovered, and you never know what local resident might be hiding in plain sight! Connection with nature is just a boardwalk stroll away.
4. Asian Elephants
Asian elephants are truly remarkable animals, known for their gentle nature, impressive size, and intelligence, including their compassion and cooperation towards each other. As they lumber along the water's edge, you can't help but be charmed by their kind nature and soulful eyes.
Did you know when you purchase a ticket, you're not only supporting conservation efforts and animal care at the zoo, but you're also helping to protect endangered elephants in Southeast Asia? The palm oil industry is a significant contributor to the destruction of elephant habitat in Borneo, posing a serious threat to the survival of wild elephants. The zoo is helping to combat this major threat by replanting thousands of trees in Borneo’s palm oil plantations to create safe paths and homes for wild elephants. So visit the zoo and enjoy the sights, sounds and animals - your ticket matters!
5. African Forest
The zoo has a wonderful African forest area! With iconic species like lions, giraffes, rhinos, and gorillas, it's a must-visit corner. The African Savanna area is a fantastic starting point for your adventure through Africa, offering a chance to catch a glimpse of majestic lions up close. If you're lucky, you will spot lions roaming freely in their enclosure. Alternatively, there's an underground viewing tunnel that provides views of the lower part of the exhibit, where lions prefer to lounge around on a scorching Houston afternoon. This tunnel is a great backup option to keep in mind if you can't spot the animals from the main area.
You can then proceed to the giraffe feeding station, a unique and exciting experience for kids. Did you know the unique patchwork patterns on a giraffe's coat are like human fingerprints – no two individuals have the same combination? Different giraffe species display different patterns, such as the Masai giraffe's darker coat with brown lines, the Reticulated giraffe's brown-orange patches with thick white lines, and the Northern and Southern giraffes' splodgy patterns. Can you guess which giraffes call the Houston Zoo home?
From there, you can wander into the African forest exhibit, where you'll find interactive play areas and immersive exhibits that bring the African wilderness to life. Giraffes, rhinoceroses and gorillas, all these animals call it home.
The African village play area is a great spot for kids to burn off energy and have some fun, with its soft floor, little houses, and musical instruments.
6. Children's Zoo
The Children's Zoo is teeming with fascinating sights and sounds, from the playful antics of the river otter underwater to the eerie darkness of a realistic bat cave to a multitude of other incredible animals, all coming together to create an unforgettable experience.
7. Nature Playscape
The Explore the Wild play area is a wonderful, quiet kids area in the midst of the bustling Houston Zoo and a delightful escape from the scorching summer sun. It offers a shaded and enchanting realm where children can explore, discover, and learn while being immersed in nature.
Walking through these exhibits, you should never miss the tiger enclosure. The large cat loves to roam his grounds, which feature a large pool and a rocky outcropping. You can observe him from various viewing areas, including a glass-enclosed observation room that offers a unique and intimate view of this magnificent predator.
The zoo is always updating and adding new exhibits, so it's exciting to come back and discover new animals and experiences. Over the years, the Houston Zoo has hosted several temporary exhibits, including "Undersea Discovery," which featured life-size jaws of a megalodon, a Japanese spider crab, and many other deep-sea giants.
Taking kids to the zoo can be a fun and educational experience! Here are some tips to make your visit a roaring success:
-The Houston Zoo is a huge and diverse attraction, and it's likely that you would need to spread out your visits over multiple days to truly experience all it has to offer.
- On the first Tuesday of every month, admission is free, making it an excellent opportunity to explore the zoo without breaking the bank. Online reservations required.
- The Texas Wetlands is a unique exhibit at the zoo that takes visitors on a journey through the wetlands of Texas, showcasing the state's diverse and fascinating aquatic life.
- Exciting changes ahead for the Houston Zoo! The zoo is completing the new Birds of the World expansion and planning to renovate the World of Primates exhibit in the foreseeable future. The zoo's constant efforts to improve and expand their exhibits ensure that visitors have a unique and engaging experience every time they visit.
- Planning ahead is a must! With online reservations required for all non-member guests, you'll need to book your spot in advance to ensure a hassle-free visit to the Houston Zoo.
- You can bring your own food, drink, and coolers to the Houston Zoo, as long as you leave the glass bottles, plastic straws, and any alcoholic beverages at home.
- Be sure to check out the daily animal feedings and shows, and consider splurging on a behind-the-scene animal encounter experience for an unforgettable day!
- CityPASS is a convenient way to save time and money! By purchasing a CityPASS, you'll get discounted admission to popular attractions like the Houston Zoo, with significant savings of up to 50% off regular admission prices.
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The zoo has become more than just a place to observe animals; it's an educational hub and a platform that promotes learning and conservation. It offers an exceptional, unforgettable experience to everyone who walks through gates. You can immerse yourself in the magic of nature at the zoo, and help to protect these magnificent creatures and their homes.
Where: 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030
On the Web: HOUSTON ZOO
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