Houston, Texas
Address
1513 North MacGregorHouston, TX 77030
phone: 713-533-6500
fax: 713-533-6755
e-mail: info@houstonzoo.org
web: www.houstonzoo.org

Hours

November - February
Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
March - October
Daily 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
November - January
West Entry Gate - only on weekends

Admissions

Adult 12 - 64 years $8.50
Child 2 - 11 years $4.00
Children under 2 years FREE
Senior 65+ years $5.00
Members FREE

*Wildlife Carousel $2.00
*Wildlife Carousel for Members $1.00

Museum Type(s)

Zoo

Staff

Kathy Gaughan
phone:
e-mail:
Rick Barongi
phone:
e-mail:
Hannah Bailey
phone:
e-mail:
Tinker Boyd
phone:
e-mail:
George Brandy
phone:
e-mail:
Daryl Hoffman
phone:
e-mail:
Hollie Colahan
phone:
e-mail:
Elizabeth Neipert
phone:
e-mail:
Sharon Joseph
phone:
e-mail:
Description

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving 1.5 million guests annually.  Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4.500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.  Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife, providing engaging educational experiences for our guests and creating naturalistic animal habitats.

History

In 1920, the U. S. government thinned the bison herds in the national parks and bestowed one of the excess animals on the City of Houston. The lone bison, who came to be known as Earl, was housed in Sam Houston Park. The fenced home was referred to as the zoo, and a deer was donated to keep Earl company, thus instantly doubling the size of the zoo's population.

In 1922, the zoo was moved to Hermann Park. To this suburban wilderness came the Houston Zoo - a fence enclosing a small tract of land with wooden cages for birds, monkeys, and small animals. Most of the inhabitants were acquired from local folks who had tired of their exotic pets. A few were secondhand circus animals.

By 1923, it had become obvious that the zoo needed a keeper. Hans Nagle was chosen and proved equal to the task. By 1924, citizens and institutions had begun to join the city in buying animals for the zoo.

The zoo encompassed 30 acres by 1925, and the city had spent $10,000 acquiring animals. In 1926, an aviary and monkey facility were built. Today, the Houston Zoological Gardens covers 55 magnificently landscaped acres and is home to over 5,800 animals. Through an admission fee instituted in January 1989 and property taxes, the city pays zoo personnel salaries and animal feed bills and maintains the grounds and buildings. Support for the zoo also comes from other organizations. The Zoological Society raises funds by operating the zoo's food and gift concessions, and by soliciting monies for special projects. Zoo Friends sponsors the biannual Zoo Ball and off-year special events to purchase new animals and build new displays. The Docent Organization provides support through the purchase of supplies, biofacts and providing invalualble volunteer support for zoo interpretation and special events.

Artifact Collections

Inventory of living and non-living animal specimens.

Educational Programs

Teacher workshops, pre-school and school age programs for primary and secondary levels, summer camps, family programs, overnights, twilight tours, lectures Zoomobile and outreach programs, volunteer and intern opportunities available throughout the year.

Classes are available for all ages from 2 1/2 through senior adults. The zoo offers volunteer programs and evening and overnight programs for members, public and scouts.

Publications

Wildlife, a quarterly publication for Zoo members.
Exhibitions
Museum Events
DISCLAIMER
This information, including business hours, addresses and contact information is provided for general reference purposes only. No representation is made or warranty is given as to its content or the reliability thereof. User assumes all risk of use. Stories USA, Inc. and its content suppliers assume no responsibility for any loss or delay resulting from such use. Please call ahead to verify the dates, the location and directions.

MUSEUM CONFERENCES

Museum Trustee Association Spring Forum 2024

April 10 - 14, 2024

Atlanta, Georgia

Texas Association of Museums 2024 Lubock Annual Conference

April 14 - 17, 2024

Lubbock, Texas

2024 Colorado-Wyoming ANNUAL MEETING

May 1 - 4, 2024

Worland, Wyoming

West Virginia Association of Museums 2024 Conference

June 6 - 8, 2024

Shepherdstown, West Virginia

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