The Houston Zoo is celebrating a major accomplishment, having exceeded its targeted goal of $150 million in its “Keeping Our World Wild” centennial fundraising campaign. This achievement is a testament to the generous support of the community and is a significant milestone in the Zoo’s history.
The funds raised through the campaign will support the construction of new exhibits and the care and protection of animals at the zoo and in the wild. One of the biggest achievements of the campaign is the opening of the new Galápagos Islands exhibit on April 7, 2023. The exhibit is the first major one of its kind to showcase the remarkable wildlife of the legendary island chain and immerse visitors in environments evoking the archipelago’s unique landscapes and oceanic habitats.
The exhibit will feature California sea lions, giant Galápagos tortoises, black-tip reef sharks, bonnethead sharks, a green sea turtle, and Humboldt penguins. The sea lions will have a starring role, standing in for the closely related Galápagos sea lions, while the penguins will represent the endangered Galápagos penguins. The exhibit will also highlight efforts to protect the Galápagos Islands and its wildlife for future generations.
In addition to the Galápagos Islands exhibit, the centennial campaign has also contributed to the opening of The Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit, Cypress Circle Café, Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, a renovated orangutan exhibit, and the award-winning South America’s Pantanal. The Zoo has also pledged to devote $5 million from the campaign to support wildlife conservation projects related to the new exhibits, in Texas and beyond.
The Houston Zoo is dedicated to education, conservation, and the well-being of all its animal residents. The opening of the Galápagos Islands exhibit is a momentous occasion and will inspire visitors to learn more about conservation and the vital role the Zoo plays in protecting these species for future generations.
With the successful completion of the centennial fundraising campaign, the Houston Zoo is poised to continue its efforts to protect animals and their habitats for generations to come.
