Houston Zoo
The Zoo has limited close-by parking so its best to arrive early, The gates open at 9am, but there are picnic tables outside, and a giant lake \ fish pond for the kids to see. Does not hurt to arrive before 8:30am with all these other things to do. Fun for kids, fun for teenagers, and fun for seniors to walk the grounds of the newly renovated Hermann Park while waiting for the Zoo to open.
Houston Zoo has gained national acclaim for expanding its natural habitats over the last decade. Here are some of the exhibits at the Houston Zoo:
Kipp Aquarium
The Kipp Aquarium has over 20 exhibits that feature everything from exotics to Gulf of Mexico, the Amazon Basin, the continent of Africa, and the spectacular coral reefs of the Pacific are all featured.
The Aquarium is fun for children, fun for teenagers, and fun for seniors with specimens ranging from those as long as cars, to one’s less than 2″ long. Some of these specimens live in the dark recesses of the oceans, others require the bright light of the sun for 14 hours a day.
A new jellyfish exhibit with over 600 gallons in the tank will house white spotted jellies from the South Pacific. This is in addition to the permanent culture of moon jellies which allow the Houston Zoo to house and trade with other AZA institutions. The unique four-eyed fish have bred this year with 14 new babies, all of whom are growing rapidly.
Houston Zoo Aquarist Maureen Koneval says that “jelly fish are very fascinating animals that exhibit many strange behaviors, which is truly unique when you consider they don’t have a brain.”
Several renovations have been made to the Kipp Aquarium since 2009. Many of the original fiberglass tanks are being replaced (some as old as 30 years), and other exhibits have been replaced or phased out to make way for new ones. The Kipp Aquarium is a GREAT way to beat the summer heat on your tour of the Houston Zoo, with temperatures 20 degrees less than the sweltering summer heat, making this exhibit fun for children, fun for teenagers, and fun for seniors.
The Houston Zoo is active in hosting Private Events, and recently installed new carpet, which adds to the ambience and look of the Kipp Aquarium.
Bird Exhibits @ The Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo offers fun for children, fun for teens, fun for seniors & adults with three different and separate exhibits:
the Fischer Bird Gardens, the Tropical Bird House, and the Birds of the World Bird Run. The Houston Zoo is famous for its bird collection, which is one of the largest in the USA, with over 250 species and 800 different specimens. The Houston Zoo houses flamingos, parrots, and some nearly extinct species, not to be missed.
The John McGovern Children’s Zoo features a small water park, petting zoo, concession stand, and passes the animal themed carousel, fun for children, fun for teenagers, and fun for adults & seniors.
There are many and varied exibits that feature mammals, elephants, hippos, and the not to be missed primate exhibits.
The Houston Zoo is open seven days a week, and hosts school outings, group outings, and private parties \ events.
