Get wild at the Houston Zoo
There’s a reason that the 55-acre Houston Zoo is the seventh-most visited zoo in the nationit’s had almost 90 years to practice its trade. The Zoo was officially opened in 1922, although Sam Houston Park did host a variety of animals in the early 1900s. The collection of species, including a black bear, capuchin monkeys, prairie dogs, alligators, and more, gained a bison named Earl in 1920. Houstonians quickly realized that Earl and the gang were going to need some fancier accommodations. The city of Houston established the Zoo in its current location in Hermann Park, Houston in 1922.From these humble beginnings, the zoo has grown to include 4,500 animals divided among 900 species. In the last year, the zoo has seen two elephant pregnancies and a baby giant elanda type of savannah antelope with distinctive white stripes down its sides and spiral horns. The redesigned jaguar exhibit also had its grand opening. The main additions were a waterfall and pool for the two jaguars, Kam Balam and Cocoy, to play in.Fish lovers will fall for the Kipp Aquarium, which features 23 different exhibits covering aquatic creatures from the Pacific Ocean to Africa’s Rift Valley Lakes. Kipp includes a Banggai Cardinalfish, a rare species that was only recently discovered living on an isolated coral reef in the South Pacific. Baby showers have also been raining down at Kippthe aquarium boasts a special exhibit of baby stingrays.Families with young children must be sure to add the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo exhibit to their itinerary. This exhibit is great for kids that want to get their hands on everythingincluding the animals. The goats and sheep will gladly volunteeras long as they can get a taste of your coat. Kids can also observe a prairie dog habitat from the inside through specially-placed plastic domes. If they want a souvenir without shelling out cash, have them bring a natural item (from outside the zoo) into the Naturally Wild Swap Shop to earn points toward special prizes.This is just a glimpse at all there is to experience at the Houston Zoo. For more information, visit the websiteor better yet, just visit.