Houston Zoo Content Managers RSS Feed

Today at the Zoo

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:44:27 GMT

Today's Exhibit Updates: Part of Natural Encounters will be closed for exhibit renovation beginning on January 19 through February 3. The Tropical Bird House and Reptile Building open at 10:00 a.m. daily. The Tropical Bird House closes at 5:00 p.m. 4-D Experience While you're at the Houston Zoo, be sure to check out the new 4-D Experience, located in The African Forest, next to the Herzstein Trading Post. Show Times for Today: Saturday, February 4, 2012 Plant Earth: Pole to Pole: 10:00; 11:00; 12:00; 1:00; 2:00; 3:00; 4:00; 5:00 Dora and Diego's 4D Adventure Catch that Robot Butterfly: 10:15; 10:30; 10:45; 11:15; 11:30; 11:45; 12:15; 12:30; 12:45; 1:15; 1:30; 1:45; 2:15; 2:30; 2:45; 3:15; 3:30; 3:45; 4:15; 4:30; 4:45 Ticket Prices: $5 Non-Members $4 Members Child Value Pass: $15.00 Includes Zoo admission, 4-D Experience movie and a Carousel ride. ($1.50 off regular price) Adult Value Pass: $16.50 Includes Zoo...

Crab Trap Clean Up 2012

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:21:39 GMT

VOLUNTEERS AND BOATS NEEDED! Abandoned Crab Trap Removal We need volunteers with boats to pull crab traps and individual volunteers to disassemble crab traps! DATE: Saturday, February 18, 2012 TIME: 8:00 am to 12:00 pm TPWD's 10thTexas Abandoned Crab Trap Removal Program runs from Feb 17-26. During the 10 day period, all Texas bays will be closed to crabbing with crab traps, and any left in the bay will be presumed to be abandoned and considered litter under state law, thus allowing volunteers to legally remove any found crab traps. Crabbing is a multi-million dollar industry in Texas. However, lost or abandoned crab traps can cause problems for anglers and wildlife. They trap wildlife, snag fisherman's lines, tear up boat motors, and crush fragile sea grasses that are critically important for this marine nursery. Every year, volunteers help Texas Parks and Wildlife remove the unsightly and potentially...

The Ambassadors

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:55:40 GMT

Don't let a little rain damper your party spirits! We have a great evening planned that you won't want to miss. Scroll down for more details. We have moved the Gala festivities to the Masihara Pavilion in the African Forest here at the Zoo, which will be a beautiful (not to mention cozy and dry) setting for the evening. - The VIP reception will begin at 6:30 pm and the Gala will begin at 7:30 pm on Saturday. Be sure to note which ticket you have reserved or purchased and arrive at the appropriate time. Paper tickets or confirmations are not required - we will have a roster of all reservations at the door. - Please arrive at the main entrance of the Zoo at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. Complimentary self parking will be available. - Though the Masihara Pavilion is a covered and protected space and we will have heaters, please dress comfortably for the weather. We anticipate a festively chilly evening and encourage...

2012 Call of the Wild Speaker Series

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:02:37 GMT

Enjoy an evening of scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, breathtaking photographs and first-hand stories from conservationists on the frontlines in the battle to help save the world's wildlife. With conservation and environmental issues becoming hot-button topics for debate across the world, the Houston Zoo's Call of the Wild Speaker Series offers a forum for global conservation leaders to share their knowledge, concerns and plans for the future. The Call of the Wild Speaker Series is generously sponsored by Charles T. Bauer Foundation, The Tapeats Fund, Martel and Speros Conservation Endowment, and United Airlines The Official Airline of the Houston Zoo. Wednesday February 15, 2012 Saving lemurs and the other species on the verge of extinction in Madagascar Featuring Dr. Jonah Ratsimbazafy Event begins at 7:00 p.m. Doors through Gate 8 open at 6:30 p.m. Light refreshments included courtesy of Beavers Restaraunt Purchase tickets: ...

Home Page - Zoo Daily News

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:53:29 GMT

Weather permitting, Cheyenne and Aurora will be outside from 9-12 noon today.
Part of Natural Encounters will be closed for exhibit renovation beginning on January 19 through February 3.
See today's Meet the Keeper Talks for where & when to meet keepers, see them training or feeding animals and learn interesting animal facts.

Houston Zoo - African Forest Webcams

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:02:11 GMT

Giraffe Platform Cam Rhino Barn Cam Chimpanzee Window Cam Elephant Yard Cam Giraffe Barn Cam Rhino Yard Cam Chimpanzee Yard Cam --> Coming Soon ...

Brick Paver Gift Certificate Download

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:43:42 GMT

Click on the below to download your brick paver gift certificate.

Pick of the Litter

Leader of the Pack

New! Leader of the Pack with Frog Valentine Motif

Ruler of the Roost

King of the Jungle

Spotlight on Species

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:23:27 GMT

Spotlight on Species are zoo events that keepers organize to educate public about specific wild animals and wild spaces. The intent of the programs is to educate Zoo guests about issues facing wildlife in their native habitats.

Planned by the Zoo Keepers who know the animals best, Spotlight on Species events include Meet the Keeper Talks, allowing guests to discover special tidbits about our animals like names, ages, and food preferences. And these events also include much more, like interactive games and activities that allow guests to mimic animal behavior, for example, as well as exciting animal enrichment demonstrations.

The specific activities vary at each Spotlight on Species event, but one thing that is featured each time is animal conservation. Special attention is paid to educating guests about our animals’ counterparts in the wild, and how easy it is to help. Sales of special animal crafts, gifts, and collectibles provide guests with an immediate opportunity to get involved, as the money raised is donated to conservation projects.

2012 Spotlight on Species Events:

Amphibian Celebration - March 3
Batfest 2012 - April 14
Bird of Prey -May 5th and 6th

Home Page - Zoo Daily News - Mobile

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:03:26 GMT

Part of Natural Encounters will be closed for exhibit renovation beginning on January 19 through February 3.
In certain weather conditions, some animals may not be on exhibit. Click here for details.
The Tropical Bird House and Reptile Building open at 10:00 a.m. daily. The Tropical Bird House closes at 5:00 p.m.

Internships

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:27:16 GMT

Current Intern Position Descriptions All internships are unpaid unless otherwise noted. Please check the careers page for paid seasonal jobs and internship opportunities. 2012 Opportunities Description Animal Care Internship pdf Collegiate Conservation Program sponsored by ExxonMobil pdf Marketing Internship pdf Nature Swap Interpretation Intern pdf Environmental Intern pdf Education Intern pdf Human Resources/Volunteer Programs Intern pdf Houston Toad Husbandry Intern pdf Horticulture Intern pdf Membership Intern pdf Purchasing pdf Houston...

Teens & Adults

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:36:27 GMT

Point, Click, Zoo Adults, 18+ Saturday, February 18 Saturday, May 12 9:30-11:30 am $20 for members $25 for non-members Ever flip through a wildlife magazine and wish your animal pictures could look that good? Planning to come to Photo Day and want some pointers and practice first? Join us as we learn some basics of wildlife photography and take a mini-safari through the Zoo to capture some of our most photogenic animals. This session is for beginners, and a digital or film SLR camera is recommended. Cameras will not be provided. Registration price includes a $5 discount on Photo Day at the Houston Zoo tickets. Discount code will be provided the day of the class. Members must log in to the registration system. Discount will be applied in shopping cart. ...

National Support for Our Baby Orangutan

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:32:45 GMT

The story of Aurora, our baby orangutan whose mother rejected her at birth, and the 50 volunteer surrogate "moms" who stepped in to provide her with 24-hour care, resonated with many after airing to national audiences in April of 2011.

We heard from people all over the country asking how they could help as our volunteers, staff caretakers and veterinarians worked around the clock to hand-rear Aurora and provide for her every need. After nine months of human mothering, she was successfully introduced to a surrogate orangutan mom, Cheyenne.

Please consider making a gift today to help support our Primate Department and the continued care and feeding of orangutans like Aurora and Cheyenne.

Related Links:

The Official Birth Announcement With All the Details

Learn More About the Hand Rearing Process

Aurora is Adopted by Surrogate Mom Orangutan, Kelly

Keep Up-to-date on the Baby's Progress at the Houston Zoo's Blog

Zoobilee Sponsored by ExxonMobil

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:23:24 GMT

Children are invited to embark on a Zoo-style global trek to meet some of our remarkable residents and get a special passport stamped from exotic lands. A small snack will be provided for each member. Plus, you will receive a 20% discount on food purchased from Zoo concessions and on gift shop purchases and FREE carousel rides! The Houston Zoo will be closing early at on April 26 and 27 for Zoobilee, a members' only event. Please check your membership level below to see the maximum number of people allowed at Zoobilee: Membership Number of People Individual 2 people Family 2 adults and 3 kids Family Plus 2 adults and 5 kids Grandparent 2 adults and 5 kids Supporting 12 people Sustaining 14 people Conservator 16...

Houston Zoo Internships

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 14:39:04 GMT

Houston Zoo Internship Program The Houston Zoo provides unpaid internship opportunities for students who wish to obtain hands-on experience in a functional area of the Zoo. Internships are available in most animal sections, as well as, horticulture, education, marketing, data management, engineering, conservation and other areas as needed. Internships are offered for spring, summer and fall semesters; but not all areas will have positions available during all semesters. Internship Requirements All applicants must be at least 18 years old as of the internship start date. Pay a one time $45 fee to offset the cost of your Intern uniform shirt, processing your application, a nametag, continuing education materials, and social events All applicants must be a current or recent student in a field related to the desired placement. The minimum time commitment is 200 hours during the semester. Specific hours may be scheduled to meet the needs of...

Staff Conservation Fund

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:44:32 GMT

The Houston's Zoo Staff Conservation Campaign began in 2004 as a mechanism for staff to become more envolved in supporting conservation. This program allows zoo employees to donate a portion of their wages to conservation efforts created by fellow zoo staff. The employee raised conservation dollars are allocated to a fund in which staff apply to participate in conservation research, education and implementation. Through an application process and committee review process, this program not only allows for staff involvement in conservation, but encourages individuals to think critically about the development of a conservation project from start to finish. Conservation projects funded in 2010: Wild komodo dragon capture Sundown Island bird habitat work weekend -Jeremy Cecil, Facilities Galapagos tortoise translocation -Dr. Joe Flanagan, Head veterinarian, Komodo...

Zoo Ball

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:43:53 GMT

2012 Zoo Ball Co-Chairs Patti Henry, Lynnae Partridge & Cindi Scruggs & Zoo Friends of Houston Present Jonathan & Barbara Day Please join us for Zoo Ball 2012 and relive the glory days of Old Las Vegas in the naturally wild setting of the African Forest! Proceeds from the event benefit the Houston Zoo, providing money for habitat enhancements and expansions, animal and veterinary care, educational and outreach programs and general Zoo support. ABOUT ZOO BALL 2012 Every other year, Zoo Friends of Houston, Inc. hosts the always popular Zoo Ball to raise funds for broad support of the Houston Zoo. Zoo Ball 2012: Viva! Zoo Vegas! will immerse you in the glamour of Old Las Vegas when for one night only, Masahari Pavilion will be...

Pongos Helping Pongos 2012

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:06:21 GMT

Pongos Helping Pongos: Paintings by Orangutans, for Orangutans Announcing the Houston Zoo's 5th Pongos Helping Pongos Art Event March 10, 2012, 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at the G Gallery . Our previous event made $25,000 for orangutan and elephant conservation. This very special evening featured over 40 individual paintings done by our orangutans, elephants, siamangs, babirusa, clouded leopards and this year introducing, binturong. Each painting will be professionally framed thanks to our partners at YolArt Fine Arts and accompanied by conservation information and an animal artist biography. Browse through these samples of some amazing orangutan artwork! All the paintings, photographs and portraits were sold by silent auction with all the proceeds donated to the preservation of orangutans in their natural habitats. The benefits of this program are many. It provides Zoo animals an outlet to express their...

Pongos Helping Pongos Collaborative Artists

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:45:48 GMT

Meet The Collaborative Artists for Pongos Helping Pongos Brad Moody Brad moody is a painter currently living in Houston, Texas. A graduate of Rice University with a B. of Arch. (where he received the prestigious William Ward Watkins Traveling Scholarship), he has also studied at London's Architectural Association and the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC. A Southerner, born and bred, he has spent most of his formative years in NYC, with a stint in Savannah, Georgia. While in NYC working as a designer, Brad was featured in People Magazine and reviewed in the NYTimes, W.W.D., New York Magazine, Texas Monthly, etc. His designs have been featured in countless fashion and lifestyle magazines, along with the covers of Cosmopolitan, Hamptons Mag., and Shape. After moving to Savannah, Ga., he returned to architecture and real estate where he received numerous Salesman of the Year awards. Brad moody first picked up a paintbrush in 2009 and has not...

Houston Zoo Adult Volunteers

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:39:36 GMT

Areas of Volunteer Service Clerical Service Area Yes, the Zoo is about animals! Behind-the-scenes there are mailings, filing, data entry, phone calls, craft/activity preparation for special events, and more that could not be done without our volunteers. Requirements: Specific training by the staff service area lead if needed. Contact Yard Assistant Interact with guests of all ages in the Zoo's contact yard. Not only do you make the guest experience outstanding, you enrich the lives of our goats, in the contact yard. This is one area where you are working directly with the animals! Requirements: Specific training by the staff service area lead. Negative TB Test Result. Docents Volunteers committed to educating our guests about the animals and the conservation projects Houston Zoo participates in. These volunteers make a serious commitment of time and energy to become Zoo experts. Requirements: Forty hour training course covering...

Brick Paver Program

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:12:43 GMT

What does the Houston Zoo mean to you? Say it with a Zoo brick paver! An engraved brick is the perfect way to celebrate Valentine's Day or any other special occasion, like a birthday, anniversary or special trip to the Zoo. It can also serve as a lasting memorial for a beloved friend, family member or pet. Whatever the message, your brick represents a unique memory to be cherished for years to come. Create your own Zoo memory today! With your tax-deductible donation of $100 or more, a brick with your own personalized message will be installed at the Zoo. Giving a brick as a gift? Click here to download a printable gift certificate. New for Valentine's Day 2012! When you order an 8x8 Leader of the Pack brick paver, choose our new Frog Valentine graphic instead of the Paw Print! It's sure to impress your Frog Prince (or Princess) but don't delay...this offer will CROAK on February 29, 2012 (Leap Day!) Brick...