Home to over 6000 animals and covering a vast 22 hectares, Houston Zoo is visited by 1.5 million people every year. The zoo is home to a diverse and exotic collection of creatures, including carnivores, such as grizzly bears, jaguars and wolves, and a Reptiles and Amphibians Centre that contains Komodo dragons, white alligators and enormous snakes.
To make the most of your visit, head straight to the Plan Your Day kiosk located just inside the main gate to pick up a map of the zoo and take a look at the schedule of the daily “Meet the Keeper” talks. These educational and entertaining talks cover everything from feeding fruit bats to training pandas, and will be of interest to adults and children alike. With over twenty demonstrations and talks a day, visitors can choose everything from viper feeding and elephant bathing to learning about the best way to take care of lions and tigers
One of the most popular demonstrations at the zoo gives visitors the opportunity to feed an enormous, elegant Masai giraffe, in the African Forest exhibit. Children will love holding out lettuce leaves for these gentle giants to eat.
During the hot summer months, there are some great ways to stay cool—find the outdoor mist fans or head indoors to the shady aquarium or reptile house. Kids can cool off at the water play park, and the air-conditioned restaurant and a number of different kiosks serve up food, cold drinks and ice-cream.
Over the Christmas period the zoo is lit up with thousands of festive lights. If you’re here between the end of November and early January, try and visit the zoo after dark to see the pretty sight.
The 4-D Experience cinema shows family-friendly films, complete with special effects like bubbles, cooling mist and smells. Visit the well-stocked gift shop and take a ride on the carousel.
Houston Zoo is located in Hermann Park and is easily reached by metro or car from central Houston. There is free parking available on-site.
