I’ve been to some of the larger and more reputable zoos in the country, including the San Diego Zoo, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and the Rio Grande Zoo in Albuquerque (surprisingly, a huge and awesome zoo). But during my recent vacation outside Austin, I saw exhibits and had experiences at the Houston Zoo that I’ve never seen or had at any other zoo.
What Makes the Houston Zoo Special
Appropriate for the fourth largest city in the U.S., the Houston Zoo is big. We spent nearly an hour alone in the Reptiles and Amphibians building, which contained a number of creatures that I’d never heard of in my life.
Probably my favorite thing about the Houston Zoo is the access that visitors have to the animals. After passing a large area where giraffes peacefully grazed on trees, we were confronted by a glass wall. On the other side of the glass wall – an arm’s length away – was a zebra, two ostriches and a giraffe. I have never been so close to their magnificent animals before. It was just as good as an African safari, where the animals walk right up to the vehicle.
Zoo visitors will have the same up-close experience within the Chimpanzee exhibit.
Another thing I love about the Houston Zoo is its efforts towards animal comfort. Not to rag on the Woodland Park Zoo (which I love), but the Meerkat and Komodo Dragon exhibits in Houston are far superior. Houston’s Komodo dragon is given a pool to lounge in, while the meerkats have a large area filled with real dirt to burrow in. Not only is this better for the animals, but it enhances the visitor experience as well.
The last highlight of our visit that I’ll mention is the Tiger exhibit. Make sure to stop there. Our whole family was entranced as we watched the two tigers interacting. The female asserted her territory and would not let the male leave the pool. When he would get out, she would chase him back into the water!
Considering our midday visit that lasted through the heat of the day, the animals were amazingly active.
Red Panda
Golden Lion Tamarin
Orangutans
Asian Elephant
Know Before You Go
Speaking of the heat of the day, you may be concerned about visiting the Houston Zoo during the summer. We were too. Though its impossible to completely escape the heat, the Houston Zoo has a thoughtful design that gives visitors relief from the heat as they walk throughout the property. Buildings like the Reptile and Amphibians exhibit and the Chimpanzee exhibit are air conditioned. Misters are scattered around the zoo, and water fountains are readily available.
Finding cool relief under a mister
And then there’s the splash pad. Conveniently placed just over half way through the one-mile walking path around the perimeter of the zoo, this is a fun spot. Our little guys threw off their shoes and shirts to get in the water, while the rest of us enjoyed snacks that we brought along. Eric and I took advantage of the cool water as well!
Other things to know:
- The Houston Zoo is open daily from 9 AM-7 PM.
- Admission is $14 for adults (12 and up), $10 for kids (2-11) and free for 2 and under.
- Multiple discounts are available: military, student, AAA, Bank of America, and many more. Check here for discount opportunities.
- You may consider purchasing the Houston CityPass if you’re going to be in town for a few days.
- Bring snacks. We had a solid breakfast in the morning, snacked throughout the day at the zoo, and ate dinner after we left. Glass containers are not permitted.
- Don’t forget to check for special events before the day of your visit.
Don’t miss the LEGO: Animals Assembled exhibit which is running through summer 2013
All in all, we had a wonderful day!
@QuasiBrit asks:
What is your favorite zoo?
Photos courtesy of Arianna Highland.
Sadly, it used to be free admission until the city outsourced its operations.
Actually Randy it has not been free since the first admission fee was approved by City Council in 1989. The Zoo has been operated by a 501c3 nonprofit since 2002.
The cost was minimal in 1989
Compared to the zoo’s expenses, it’s still a minimal cost. According to the zoo’s annual report, admissions make up only 31% of the zoo’s revenues. Since the nonprofit took over, the zoo has made significant improvements to its facilities, and has become a conservation leader. That costs money. They still have discount opportunities and even a few free days each year. So, all in all, I think they’re still a bargain. (No, I’m not an employee, just a long time member.)
The city does not own the zoo. It hasn’t for years. It is it’s own entity and is really awesome. It was a dump when the city of Houston owned it.
We have been members for years and love it. One of our favorite activities is feeding the giraffes.
And it is privately owned with the president an ex-executive coming from a Disney background.