Houston Zoo — Zoo in Houston

Houston Zoo and its collection

Houston Zoo, opened in 1922, is a zoo in Houston, Texas, United States.

Forty animals made up the collection in 1922, when it began as an attraction within a park. Some 4,300 animals were held in 2026, and the species count stood at 575 in 2024. Two million people came through the gates in 2024.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include Komodo dragon, Masai Giraffes, California Sea Lions, Humboldt Penguins and Tigers.

Exhibits

African Forest opened on 10 December 2010, billed as the most ambitious project of the zoo's then 88-year history, and gained a gorilla section in 2015. The first free-flight bird exhibit, which ran from 1926 to 1961, was designed by the city parks superintendent, Clarence Brock.

Things to do

Things to do include Wildlife Carousel, Meet the Keeper Chats, Camp Zoofari, Brew at the Zoo and Giraffe Feeding Platform.

Conservation and approach

The zoo is an active partner in the AZA Species Survival Plan and the SAFE programme, and since 1994 it has bred Attwater's prairie chickens in captivity for release to the wild. It also works to protect the endangered Houston toad.

What the venue says

• North America's Largest Gorilla Habitat
• Free Zoo Days
• hand-feed the giraffes
• Positioned at the front of the zoo, this family-friendly spot serves shareable snacks, Southern-style favorites, and sandwiches all day. It also features a breakfast menu with items like sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits, breakfast burritos, and chicken chilaquiles, alongside a grab-and-go window for specialty coffee, soft-serve, ICEEs, and alcoholic drinks.
• The Houston Zoo does not have its own dedicated parking lot. Instead, visitors utilize the shared, free parking lots throughout Hermann Park.
• Strollers, wagons, and electric convenience vehicles (ECVs) are fully permitted
• The entire park features wheelchair-accessible pathways, restrooms, and dining areas