The task of writing about a favorite Zoo memory is almost a trick because it can’t be done. One single favorite memory does not exist–it is all of them–every memory from every visit. The joy of coming to the Zoo IS the favorite memory.
We first started coming to the Zoo when my daughter was 3 years old and we haven’t stopped. We have since become members and we visit multiple times a year–regular visits, Zoo Boo, Zoo Lights, birthday parties…the whole Zoo experience. And, the best part…we all still love it!
We now have two daughters and one on the way and visiting the animals is still our favorite weekend activity.
The special thing about the Houston Zoo is that it grows as we do. The older my children get, the more they are interested in learning about all that the Zoo offers and we have not been disappointed! The new exhibits, animals, features, and entertainment allow for a new experience every time we visit. Yes, of course we have our favorites–the elephants, the lions, the bugs–but we have been so excited lately to have been able to add new favorites to that list. My daughters LOVE seeing the Bald Eagles in the Pantanal section. The architecture and construction of that exhibit is so engaging and exciting for them that we end up spending most of our time there.
Our most recent trip introduced the girls to the upcoming Galapagos Islands exhibit. My little one can’t stop talking about the penguins and sharks. In a world and society where our young people are so technologically focused and are perfectly content sitting in front of a tablet all day, I am so thankful to have a place as educational, engaging, and entertaining as the Houston Zoo. A place where I can walk with my children through the gates and together we can enter “into the wild.” The motto of the Zoo, “See Them, Save Them” extends beyond just the animals for our family. For us, the Zoo experience starts before we even walk through the gates. We wake up early, pack snacks as a family, grab our souvenir cups, and take bets on which animals will be out for viewing first in the day. Going to the Zoo is a family moment–a core memory for all of us. We are saving these kids from a childhood where they don’t get to experience the amazing sights, knowledge, and opportunities that they are exposed to at a Zoo.
We will continue to be Zoo members for as long as my children will come with me and even after that when I visit alone. We love the experience and are so thankful and grateful for the efforts, conservation, and work that is being put in by employees, volunteers, and contributors alike that allow my family the opportunity to make new memories each and every visit to the Zoo. Thank you!