The Houston Zoo of today is unrecognizable from its origins in the 1920s. On a small plot of land in Hermann Park, we began with a single bison named Earl. For 80 years, the Zoo was operated by the City of Houston until 2002, when the Zoo transitioned into a non-profit organization in partnership with the City.

Thanks to this public-private partnership, more than $150 million in community investment has revitalized our Zoo. Today, we are a leading conservation and education organization providing care to thousands of animals. All while remaining a cherished destination for family fun and inspiration for Houston’s diverse communities.

The Houston Zoo’s story is defined by growth and change. But we are always asking ourselves one question: What’s next?

To answer that question, in 2016 we embarked on an ambitious planning process during which we developed a new strategic plan, master plan, and business plan. Underlying these interconnected plans are eight strategic priorities that will guide the future of the Houston Zoo.

The Keeping Our World Wild: Centennial Campaign will secure $150 million from individuals, foundations, corporate partners, and the Houston Zoo’s operational cash flows to complete Phase I of the master plan by 2022.

Every year leading to our centennial, an exciting new chapter will open for guests to explore:

• Heart of the Zoo celebrates Texas wildlife and enhances guest amenities
• Jaguar Journey: South America’s Pantanal transports guests to the legendary tropical wetlands of Brazil
• The Avian Conservation Center creates a new space to showcase the Zoo’s renowned bird conservation efforts
• Galapagos Islands and North Arrival Plaza builds a first-of-its-kind exhibit and improves our main entry

2018 – 2019

Celebrating the biodiversity of Texas, enhancing amenities, and setting the stage for a more navigable Zoo.

• Cypress Circle Cafe has been transformed into a signature gathering place (opened November 2018)
• The Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit triples the living space for our black bears (opened August 2018)
• Texas Wetlands exhibit featuring alligators, bald eagles, and whooping cranes (opening 2019)
• Enhanced orangutan habitat

2020

Exploring the legendary tropical wetlands of Brazil – home to South America’s greatest concentration of wildlife.

• Lush wetland and riverine forest environments with jaguars, giant river otters, piranhas, anacondas, and tapirs
• Jaguar training window and overhead bridge provide exciting opportunities for interaction and viewing
• Shaded Animal Encounter Space for informal presentations with ambassador animals and Zoo staff

2021

Showcasing the Zoo’s signature, award-winning bird conservation work.

• Reimagined Bird Garden
• New Avian Conservation Center will relocate many of our birds into new, lushly landscaped aviaries, setting the stage for a later expansion of bird, reptile, and amphibian exhibits
• New incubation and rearing room offering a glimpse “behind the scenes”

2022

A first-of-its-kind Galapagos exhibit, plus enhancements to our main entry and central public spaces.

• Unique Galapagos exhibit featuring sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, giant tortoises, and other iconic species
• New Arrival Plaza to welcome guests and honor our supporters
• New Event Hall and Terrace, as well as a new casual café, enhance the historic reflection pool and garden area