Houston Zoo

How many animals call the Houston Zoo home? Over 6000. That’s a lot of creatures. Right here before you stands the Houston Zoo a sprawling 55-acre park in Hermann Park. Its history begins surprisingly with a bison named Earl. In 1922 the US government had excess bison. They donated Earl to Houston. He became the zoo’s first resident. The Houston Zoo wasn’t always grand. It started small. It expanded over the years. The original zoo was wooden cages and open-air pens. Imagine Hans Nagel the first zookeeper. He cared for those early animals. He even trained them. He let visitors pet and ride some animals. His stories are legendary. One involves saving a visitor from a Bengal tiger.Another involves a baby chimpanzee. He raised it like a human child. Sadly Nagel’s own life ended tragically. Some say his ghost still roams the zoo. The Houston Zoo grew. It added exhibits. The African Forest opened in 2010. It houses giraffes rhinos and gorillas. The McNair Asian Elephant Habitat is another highlight. It features a huge barn and a large pool. The zoo’s bird collection is impressive. It has over 800 birds from more than 200 species. The Allen H and Ethel G Carruth Natural Encounters simulates different continents. The Wortham World of Primates features lemurs monkeys and orangutans. The Texas Wetlands opened in 2019. It shows native species like alligators. The Reptile and Amphibian House is exciting. It displays venomous snakes and exotic amphibians. The Bug House opened in 2014. It showcases insects and arachnids. The John P McGovern Children’s Zoo has a petting zoo and a bat cave. The South America’s Pantanal opened in 2020. It features jaguars and giant river otters. The Galapagos Islands exhibit opened in 2023. It displays Galapagos tortoises penguins and sea lions. The Houston Zoo is much more than a zoo. It’s a place of conservation. It participates in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan. It supports projects globally. In 2024 the zoo helped develop an mRNA vaccine for elephants. So explore the Houston Zoo. Discover its history. See its amazing animals. Understand its vital work in conservation. You’ll leave amazed by this incredible place.