Houston Zoo

Feast with the Beasts 2008

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 20:01:32 GMT

This fall, the Houston Zoo brings back its most anticipated culinary event. Feast with the Beasts October 10 7 - 11 p.m. Food served from 7 - 9 p.m. Take advantage of our pre-sale offer! Save $10 if you purchase your Feast with the Beasts tickets between August 4 - August 31! Early Bird Ticket Special: Regular ticket price after August 31: $65 Zoo Members $70 Non-Members $75 Zoo Members $80 Non-Members $100 at the door You don’t want to miss out on this exciting offer. Purchase your tickets between August 4 - August 31 and save $10 on an evening of civilized cuisine gone wild! Enjoy great food from some of Houstons best restaurants like, Crapittos Cucina Italiana, Two Rows Restaurant & Brewery, Joyces Ocean Grill, Spencers for Steaks and Chops, Maggianos...

Vote for MFAHs New Mascot!

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 18:38:52 GMT

Houston Zoo Antelope and Elephant Fun Facts Join the Houston Zoo and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston as the museum introduces its first mascot at Target Free First Sunday. Visit the Houston Zoo August 20 – September 7 to learn fun facts about the animals in the MFAH Families mascot and you can have a chance to win a prize! The giant eland is the world’s largest antelope. Giant elands are extraordinary jumpers and can run up to 25 miles per hour. At the Houston Zoo, the giant eland eats alfalfa, grains, and hay. Social animals, giant eland are found in small groups in their native habitat and can be seen daily in the giant eland exhibit at the Houston Zoo. Elephants are the largest living land animals in the world, weighing up to 6 tons. In the wild, Asian elephants eat 100 pounds of food per day & spend 18 – 20 hours a day eating. Elephants are endangered throughout most of their ranges in Asia and Africa. The new McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is...

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Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:51:39 GMT

The Aquarium will close at 6:30 pm on August 21 for a private event. Baby Giant Eland born at the Zoo! Read more... New sea lion makes a splashy debut! More... To always get the most up to date information, visit the Today at the Zoo page. ...

Today at the Zoo

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:49:43 GMT

Todays Keeper Chat Times For the most up to date information on daily events, check the Plan Your day Kiosk in the Zoos Front Entry Plaza. 10:30 Sea Lion Keeper Chat 2:00 Babirusa Feeding in Wortham World of Primates 11:00 Fossa Keeper Chat ...

Field Research in Texas City

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 14:15:19 GMT

Students as Field Researchers Join the Houston Zoo and The Nature Conservancy for a day of interactive activities where students complete actual field research activities and learn more about the native species in the Houston-Galveston area. Up to 60 students in grades K-12 use hands-on techniques and tools to explore prairie and coastal ecology. Each group completes five of the following activities that reinforce a number of TEKS objectives: Seining for marine life Identifying coastal birds Identifying native plants Insect sweeping Water quality testing Time of year, weather conditions, student ages and numbers will determine which activities will be completed. PLEASE NOTE: This is an active field research day—students will get dirty and wet. Wear shoes and clothes that can be worn in the water, or bring a change of clothes. Costs & Scheduling This program is FREE, but reservations are required at least three weeks in advance. Only 60 spaces per day are...

Elephant Exhibit Expansion

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 21:29:11 GMT

On June 22, 2008, the Houston Zoo, Inc., celebrated the completion of the first phase of the new and innovative elephant facility at the new McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. The 7,000-square foot elephant barn, additional outdoor holding areas, and an improved viewing area are the first phase of a two-phase program to expand the elephant facility at the Zoo.

The new barn’s features include improved keeper work areas and 18 to 24-inch deep sand ‘floors’ in the elephant ‘bedrooms’. In the words of the Zoo’s Large Mammal Curator, Daryl Hoffman, “For our elephants it’s like having deep plush carpeting.” The barn is the first to feature these ‘floors’ in the design and construction of the facility.

The west wall of the barn features four 8-foot by 8-foot sliding glass doors to permit Zoo guests the opportunity to see our keepers train and interact with the elephants while they are working inside the barn. Keepers can open the glass doors to conduct keeper chats and presentations for the Zoo guests.

The Phase Two portion of the expansion will include a third elephant yard and a second pool, extending the elephant ‘property’ line to the Brown Education Center.

To view the full story, read our press release.

Baby Giant Born at the Zoo!

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:54:51 GMT

Second Birth at Houston Zoo since March 2007

The Houston Zoo is proud to announce the birth of a giant eland calf, the second such birth at the Houston Zoo since March, 2007. The as yet unnamed 74 pound male calf was born in the Zoo’s giant eland exhibit on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. “Mom and baby are doing fine,” said Large Mammal Curator Daryl Hoffman. “His mother, Dorothy is very caring and attentive. The calf is very strong. We’ve seen numerous instances of nursing,” said Hoffman.

The world’s largest antelope, giant eland made their Houston Zoo debut in April of 2003. The calf’s mother, Dorothy is 5 years old and weighs more than 800 pounds. Dorothy and the newborn may be seen daily in the Zoo’s giant eland exhibit. The calf was born after a 9 month gestation period.

Giant eland inhabit only a small fraction of their former range in Africa's west and central woodlands. Social animals, giant eland are found in small groups in their native habitat.

Conservation Crew

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:27:46 GMT

If you are or know an 8th-12th grade student interested in the environment and conservation, then you need to check out Conservation Crew—a program where we put conservation into action. Each month we have fun while we help the inhabitants of the habitats in and around Houston, working as a group on projects such as marsh grass restoration, beach clean-ups, or even assisting at area animal rescue organizations. Whether you can join us for one day or can commit to helping each month, we want you to be part of our crew! Conservation Crew Schedule Projects start at 8:00 am. End time varies based on the project. All projects subject to change due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. September 13, 2008 - Habitat for Horses October 11, 2008 - High Island November 1, 2008 - Katy Prairie Preserve December 6, 2008 - Trees for Houston January 10, 2009 - Hermann Park Conservancy February 7, 2009 - Crab Trap Removal March 7, 2009 - Buffalo Bayou Partnership April 11, 2009 -...

Natural Beginnings II

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:26:54 GMT

Is your child home-schooled or on school break? The Houston Zoo has a fun-filled one hour program for kids! Join us as we explore Zoo exhibits and learn about wildlife, habitats, and conservation through exciting hands-on activities, experiments, and biofacts. Each week is a new and exciting topic. Classes are 10 - 11 am on Wednesdays. Not sure what to do with younger siblings? We offer Natural Beginnings at the same time for children ages 2 1/2 - 5 years and a parent! Cruisin the Continents Join us for an around-the-world adventure as we meet some amazing animals. Well travel to four different continents and learn how animals are used in local cultures, and even visit their exhibits to see them up close. And the best part is we wont even have to leave the Zoo! Wednesdays September 3, 10, 17, and 24 Creepy Crawlies Have you ever thought of bugs as...

Natural Beginnings

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 18:16:40 GMT

Parents accompany their toddlers and preschoolers to our single or series Natural Beginnings classes. Each week, we will learn about animals while enjoying fun activities such as songs, games and stories. Weather and circumstances permitting, we may visit a Zoo exhibit or touch a small animal. Classes are 10-11 am Wednesday-Saturday. Check out Natural Beginnings II offered at the same time for older siblings! Important Notes: Children must be 2 ½ on the first day of the month for which you will be registering Only registered participants may attend. Please don’t bring any siblings (even infants) to class with you, as you will not be allowed to participate Due to space limitations, only one adult per child is allowed; one adult may bring up to two children Classes will generally meet in the Brown Education Center Series Classes Cruisin the Continents Join us...

Individuals & Families

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:56:13 GMT

Explore the world of animals and wild places with the Houston Zoo, through these hands-on programs for ages zero through senior adults! Click on the links below for detailed information.

Wild Wheels
This stroller program for children ages 0-30 months, with an adult, allows you to experience the Zoo together. Tuesdays or Thursdays

Natural Beginnings
Children ages 2 ½ -5, with an adult, enjoy hands-on activities and adventures on a specific topic each week.
Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays

Natural Beginnings II
Children ages 6-12 who are home-schooled or on school break will enjoy learning about wildlife through exciting hands-on activities in this fun-filled one hour program. Wednesdays

Conservation Crew
Young adults ages 13-18 make a difference during these entertaining expeditions.

Family Night Prowls and Wild Winks
Ages 7 through adult journey through the Zoo after-hours on these evening and overnight excursions.

Camp Zoofari
There’s no place “wilder” for school holidays than the Houston Zoo!

Wortham World of Primates

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:26:30 GMT

Located in the heart of the Zoo, Wortham World of Primates offers up close viewing of some of the world’s most fascinating and intelligent creatures. Nestled in a naturalistic setting, Wortham World’s boardwalks and tree houses allow visitors to observe the behavior of a wide variety of threatened and endangered primates including mandrills, lemurs, an agile gibbon, red capped mangabeys, siamangs, patas monkeys, cotton top and golden lion tamarins, howler monkeys, and Sumatran and Bornean orangutans.

The Primate section is a diverse one, exhibiting prosimians, new world and old world monkeys, and lesser and great apes. Concentrating heavily on comprehensive environmental enrichment of the entire collection, according to the needs and behavior of each species, training is a large component of the daily routine. Training also helps the veterinarians in examining many of the monkeys and apes; all of the great apes are trained to present their arm for a syringe, their ear for a thermometer, and their chest for a stethoscope. Illustrating the concept of an ecosystem for Zoo visitors and providing additional enrichment for the animals, we have a number of mixed species exhibits.

Many of our primates are very long-lived. We have a 35-year-old agile gibbon, Susie, and a 36-year-old orangutan, Cheyenne, who is well-known as a surrogate mother to three orangutan youngsters, one Bornean and two Sumatran. From golden lion tamarins to orangutans, the primate section is home to many of the world’s most endangered species, exhibited in lush tropical settings. Come and visit!

Call of the Wild Lecture Series

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:45:10 GMT

Houston Zoo Call of the Wild Lecture Series kicks off the new season in September with an exciting lineup of guest speakers. The Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Lecture Series kicks off its new season in September with an exciting lineup of guest speakers. Enjoy an evening of scrumptious hors doeuvres, breathtaking photographs and first-hand stories from conservationists on the frontlines in the battle to help save the world’s wildlife. Proceeds of the Call of the Wild lectures benefit our local and global conservation initiatives at the Zoo. With conservation and environmental issues becoming hot-button topics for debate across the world, the Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Lecture Series offers a forum for global conservation leaders to share their knowledge, concerns and plans for the future. Starting September 4, 2008, four unique lectures will be held at the Brown Education Center over the span of six months, detailing critical issues that affect us all. The Call of the...

Private Parties / Facility Rentals

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 12:41:40 GMT

Treat your guests to an inspirational, untamed, and extraordinary experience when you host your next event at the Houston Zoo. You cannot match the exceptional environment of the Houston Zoo as a location for your next special event. Whether it is a cocktail reception, class reunion, corporate picnic, magnificent wedding, or any occasion for 75 to 2,500+ guests, we have a variety of venues to set your event apart from the herd. Reserve your space today! Contact us by phone at 713-533-6552 or 713-533-6613. Or reach us by e-mail at events@houstonzoo.org The Reflection Pool: For your extra-special occasion, Houston’s most gorgeous natural setting. Available for nighttime events. Lawn Seats: 150 Reflection Pool Seats: 1,000 Cocktails: 1,500 Savor refreshing cocktails or a relaxing dinner pool-side under a lush canopy of trees. And who knows? Your guests may even be...

Houston Zoo Internships

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:52:37 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, and other areas as needed. Not all areas will have internships available during all semesters. Internship Requirements All applicants must be at least 18 years old as of the internship start date. 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. Hours may be scheduled to meet the needs of both the intern and the department. Interns must attend an orientation session prior to the start of their internship, and will also complete any necessary training specific to their position. Interns are required to complete 4 hours of continuing education opportunities during the semester....

Planned Giving

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:56:26 GMT

In addition to satisfying your philanthropic goals, your gift to the Houston Zoo can offer significant financial and estate planning opportunities through the process of planned giving. A planned gift can increase your current income or serve as a supplemental income for someone you wish to help. It can help reduce income tax, avoid capital gains tax assets to your family at a reduced tax cost, while offering a significant donation to the Zoo.

An estate gift is one of the most powerful ways to support the mission of the Houston Zoo. Upon notification that you have included the Zoo in your estate through planned gifts – you can become a member of The John and Ingrid Werler Society, a distinguished group of individuals who affirm their commitment to the Zoo with a planned gift.

For further information about planned gifts, please contact us.

All Donations Made Payable to Houston Zoo, Inc.

Send a check or money order to:
Houston Zoo, Inc.
P.O. Box 4759
Houston, Texas 77210-9862

Please be sure to include your
telephone number on your check or letter.

Staff Directory

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:55:22 GMT

The Houston Zoo 1513 N. MacGregor Houston, Texas 77030 Phone: 713-533-6500 Houston Zoo Main Number 713-533-6500 e-mail Administration Houston Zoo President, Deborah Cannon 713-533-6801 Houston Zoo Director, Rick Barongi 713-533-6801 Admissions General Inquiries 713-533-6500 e-mail Group Sales 713-533-6550 e-mail Stroller Rental 713-533-6814 Animal Programs General...

Summer Camp FAQ

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:36:35 GMT

When can I register? Registration dates are determined by Zoo membership level. You may upgrade your membership by visiting our membership page or by calling 713-533-6713. Membership Level Priority Registration Date Asante Society February 13 Conservator ($500) February 18 Sustaining ($250) February 22 Supporting ($130) February 26 Grandparent ($90) March 1 Family Plus ($90) March 1 Family ($80) March 5 Individual ($55) March 9 Non-Members March 13 Can I get on a waiting list? If the camp of your choice is sold out, please call Group Sales at 713-533-6550 to register for the waiting list; there is no guarantee a space will become available. Once the waiting list is full, no more registrations will be accepted. Can I...

Summer Camps at a Glance

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:35:42 GMT

Registration dates are determined by Zoo membership level. See dates here. June 2-6 June 9-13 June 16-20 June 23-27 July 7-11 July 14-18 July 21-25 July 28-Aug 1 Aug 4-8 Aug 11-15 Aug 18-22 Aug 25-27* Ages 4-5 Creepy Crawlies Sold Out Sold Out Sold Out Sold Out Sold Out Tail Tales Sold Out Sold Out Sold Out Sold Out Sold Out Radical Reptiles Sold Out ...

Summer Camp Zoofari

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 14:34:24 GMT

Camp Zoofari is an action-packed, hands-on, week-long day camp for kids ages 4-12. Kids learn about the natural world, wildlife conservation and the animals that call the Houston Zoo home. These educational, fun-filled camps fill quickly, so be sure to register soon! Camp is from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Before and after camp care are not available. Registration dates are determined by Zoo membership level. See dates here. IMPORTANT: Camps may be sold out before noted on the Summer Camp Dates at a Glance or Summer Camp Descriptions pages. Please click Register to check for camp availability. If the camp you are looking for does not appear in the drop down list, then the camp is sold out. Summer Camp Quick Links Summer Camp Dates at a Glance Summer Camp FAQ Register Summer Camp Check-list ...