Houston Zoo

Last September at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) annual conference, Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom podcast hosts, Peter Gros and Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant interviewed our very own Ben Jones, vice president of conservation and education. He shared a story about a recent gorilla trek in Rwanda and the magic of being that close to mountain gorillas that were once on the brink of extinction. Thanks to the support of conservationists in the region, today, there are about 1,200 mountain gorillas thriving in the mountain forest. Hear more on Wild Kingdom’s podcast: bit.ly/4j3ne4R

Meet Phillip! He’s one of our northern Caiman lizards that reside in the Reptile & Amphibian House. A year ago, Phillip’s animal care team noticed swelling on the right side of his face. After further evaluation by our veterinary team and outside veterinarians, including Dr. McCoy, a board-certified veterinary dentist, it was discovered that he had cancer in his jaw. He had surgery last fall and recently got the clear to go back on exhibit with his friend, George. Learn more from Herpetology Supervisor Audrey!

This spring, you can symbolically adopt the cutest cub on the block! Through our Adopt an Animal program, you can help with the care and feeding of our jaguar cub, Rojo, along with his parents Vida and Tesoro. Adopt packages include a plush at the Guardian, Protector, and Classroom levels. Adopt now: bit.ly/2Jfn1w6

?? ?? Every day is Global Recycling Day in our books! You can help save western lowland gorillas and other wildlife by recycling cell phones and other small electronics at the Zoo. These devices contain a metal mined where they live, and recycling these devices reduces the demand for new materials to be mined. In 2024, the Zoo recycled 1,264 electronic devices.

We need YOUR vote! Our Humboldt penguin, Fisher, is a contender in the first round of Penguins International's March of the Penguin Madness. Fisher, our eight-year-old male penguin is the charmer of our Humboldt penguin colony. With his sweet disposition and signature strut (chest puffed out, of course), he loves being the center of attention, especially when it comes to his keepers. Voting is open now through tomorrow, March 18. Help Fisher advance to the next round! Three ways to vote: ?? Penguins International’s website: bit.ly/43HAc39 ?? React with the "haha" emoji on Penguins International’s Facebook post: bit.ly/3DIPVEH ?? Daily poll on their Instagram story: bit.ly/4kWJgaz #MOTPM2025 #MarchOfThePenguinMadness #PengWin #VoteForPenguins

Just before Spring Break, our team helped release 24 cold stunned sea turtles, plus a loggerhead that has been rehabilitating under our care since last fall, back into the wild. During their time under the Zoo’s veterinary care, they were treated for wounds, frostbite, eye trauma, infections, and given supportive care to help them gain strength. This was a joint effort between the Zoo’s sea turtle team, Texas A&M University Galveston Campus's Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, and Galveston Island Park Board of Trustees. Remember to call 1-866-TURTLE-5 if you find or accidentally catch a sea turtle so that an expert can assess the turtle and provide care if needed. Read more: bit.ly/4ig2gz4

Keeping with the spirit of #InternationalWomensDay, we are honored to be partnered with incredible women whose passion and expertise help make the Houston Zoo a leader in conservation. Read more about María Luisa, Dr. Jessica, and Valerie: bit.ly/41wj9yk

Elephants, gorillas, and dinosaurs, oh my! This week, our friends at KPRC's Houston Life hosted a special edition of their show from the Zoo. They highlighted the incredible work of our elephant and veterinary teams, a preview of Jurassic Giants, plus the ultimate Spring Break itinerary. Watch the full show: bit.ly/41xqYnh Baylor College of Medicine

We’re celebrating #InternationalWomensDay by shining a spotlight on three incredible women from our Conservation Education team. Their dedication to their roles enriches and inspires future generations to protect wildlife. Read more about Lillie, Stephanie, and Valeria: bit.ly/4i6awBE

We are heartbroken by the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner, former Mayor of Houston. His tremendous support and dedication leave a lasting impact on our Zoo and our entire city. We send our condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Houston community during this difficult time.