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 the new exhibits in Phase I of the master plan by 2022. Renovations to the north arrival plaza will be finished in 2024.

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
• 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

See it today!

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

• NOW OPEN – Cypress Circle Cafe has been transformed into a signature gathering place
• NOW OPEN – The Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit triples the living space for our black bears
• NOW OPEN – Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands features alligators, bald eagles, and whooping cranes
• Opening 2020 – 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 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 – 2024

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

• Opening 2022 – Unique Galapagos exhibit featuring sea lions, sharks, sea turtles, giant tortoises, and penguins
• Opening 2024 – New Arrival Plaza to welcome guests and honor our supporters
• Opening 2024 – New Event Hall and Terrace, as well as a new casual café, enhance the historic reflection pool and garden area