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The Ambassadors

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:49:36 GMT

Saturday, January 30, 2010 7 pm until 11 p.m. Party away your cabin fever. Meet the animals in person. Experience nature at night. Casual Winter Attire. $75 Advance Ticket before January 1 $100 After January 1 or at the door Proceeds from The Ambassadors Winter Gala help feed the animals at the Houston Zoo. Questions? Visit our F.A.Q. page. For information on becoming a member of The Ambassadors, please click here. The Houston Zoo Ambassadors is a newly formed group of Zoo lovers dedicated to actively spreading the word about the mission and vision of the Houston Zoo. For more information about the Ambassadors or how you can become one, contact Joseph Moore, Development Director, at jmoore@houstonzoo.org / 713-533-6716. For a list of benefits associated with a membership to The Ambassadors, please click here. Ambassador Host Committee: Kirstin and Craig Feazel - Chairs Georgina and Thad Armstrong ...

The Ambassadors Membership Benefits

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:47:39 GMT

The Houston Zoo Ambassadors are dedicated to furthering the mission and vision of the Houston Zoo. All members of the Ambassadors receive the following basic benefits of a $250 Sustaining level Zoo membership: Unlimited complimentary admission for 1 household (3 named adults and all dependant children, or any four guests) for one year with exclusive use of the members’ express entrance Monthly Member Morning presentations Free or discounted admission to more than 150 Zoos across the nation Priority registration for Camp Zoofari (for children or grandchildren of the household) Discounts on family programs and education classes for children including Natural Beginnings and Wild Wheels Presented by Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital Kid Keeper privilege – enables you to send your children to the Zoo with an adult caregiver 15% discount in the Houston Zoo Gift Shop 4 guest passes to Zoobilee, the Zoo’s annual member appreciation event Subscription to...

Support the Houston Zoo!

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:46:29 GMT

Give a gift to your Zoo, help save animals around the world Each and every day, the Houston Zoo works to protect animals around the world and provides memorable experiences that connect people with nature and inspire them to protect our planet. As a non-profit, charitable organization, we rely on generous community support to make our work possible. Every gift, large or small, helps to forward the Zoo's mission: To provide a fun, unique, and inspirational experience fostering appreciation, knowledge, and care for the natural world. Thank you for partnering with us to create a sustainable future for wildlife around the world. Your gift makes a difference. $35... could provide a crate of sweet potatoes and kale for our giraffe herd to enjoy. $50... could buy enough...

Houston Toad Head-starting Program

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:46:08 GMT

The Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis) was the first amphibian granted protection under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. Critical habitat was designated in Bastrop and Burleson counties in 1978, in areas supporting the largest populations known at that time. Primary threats to this species' survival are habitat modification and fragmentation, vehicular traffic, predation, and prolonged drought. To that list we may soon need to add chytridiomycosis, a fungal disease that is decimating Central American amphibian populations and has now been reported in wild populations of the Barton Creek salamander (Eurycea sosorum) in the Colorado River watershed. Nearly 30 years ago, at the same time that the State of Texas acquired critical Houston toad habitat in Bastrop County adjacent to Buescher and Bastrop state parks, the Houston Zoo initiated a captive breeding program to help supplement remaining populations or establish new ones in protected areas. However, in spite of introducing 62 adults,...

Today at the Zoo - Meet the Keeper Talks

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:27:16 GMT

We hope you enjoy meeting our animals and our staff! Meet the Keeper Talks generously sponsored by Today’s Meet the Keeper Talks & Grounds Programming: Friday, November 6, 2009 10:00 Meet the Keeper Talk at Natural Encounters 10:00 Elephant Bath 10:30 Bat Feeding at the Children’s Zoo 10:30 Story Safari at the Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo 10:30 Meet the Keeper Talk at Small Cats 11:00 Story Safari at the Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo 11:00 Meet the Sea Lion Keeper Chat 11:15 Cinereous Vulture Feeding 11:30 Meet the Keeper Talk at Sifaka 12:00 Zooper Challenge at the Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo 12:00 Meet the Keeper Talk at Natural Encounters 12:30 Zooper Challenge at the Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo 12:30 Meet the Keeper Talk at Orangutans 1:00 Meet the Keeper Talk at Natural Encounters 1:30 Animal Presentation at the Butterfly Stage in the Children’s Zoo 1:30 Elephant Training and Meet the Keeper Talk 1:30 Meet the...

Badges & Achievements

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:04:42 GMT

The Zoo is a remarkable resource for helping Scouts of all ages earn badges and other achievements. Check below for upcoming programs and events as well as registration information. Cost for 2 hour Badge Program $15 per scout, $9.00 per chaperone, Free for Adult Zoo Member Cost for 3 hour Badge Program *** $18 per scout, $9 per chaperone, Free for Adult Zoo Member Cost for 4 Hour Merit Badge Program * $20 per scout, $9 per chaperone, Free for Adult Zoo Member Cost for 6 Hour Merit Badge Program ** $30 per scout, $9 per chaperone, Free for Adult Zoo Member NOTE: For the 6 hour merit badge programs a 30 minute meal break will be given. Scouts should bring a sack lunch. Badge programs are for scouts and their leaders or chaperones. Tagalongs and siblings are not allowed. Due to the popularity of these programs, reservations are on a first come first serve basis and are not taken over the phone. Requests are processed in the order that they are...

First Annual Winter Gala Event Frequently Asked Questions

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:46:34 GMT

Remind me again when the event is? The event is Saturday, January 30 from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m.
What all does my ticket include? Your admission ticket will allow you to enjoy food, beverages, live entertainment and animal experiences in a fun setting at night, hosted by the Ambassadors, the Zoo’s newest group of Zoo lovers.
How old do I have to be to attend? This event is for guests 21 years of age and older.
Will there be any animal guests? There will be animal experiences scheduled throughout the evening.
What is the attire? It is a gala event, however, you can wear whatever you will be comfortable in – casual winter attire is recommended. Please remember that you will be outside and walking, so dress appropriately. Earmuffs and animal chic!
Where do I park? Our main parking lot is located at 6200 Golf Course Drive.
What happens if it rains or its cold? This event is rain or shine. There will be indoor areas, as well as outdoor activities.
What if I have to cancel prior to the event? We’re sorry, but payment for this event is non-refundable.
Is my ticket price tax deductible? Fair market value of benefits will be determined. Check back for more information closer to the event. Support from the Ambassadors Winter Gala will be directed to the Houston Zoo’s conservation, education, and animal care programs.
Who should I call if I have any other questions? For event information and questions about purchasing tickets or our online ordering system, please call Arabella di Bagno at (713) 533-6834.

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Breakfast with the Animals

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:48:02 GMT

Breakfast Is Going Wild! A very special experience exclusively for Zoo members. November 21, 2009 It will be a wild morning when you start your day with the Lions. On this roaring occasion you will have the opportunity to watch the feeding habits and enrichment activities of our Lions and enjoy breakfast too. These events fill up fast, so don’t miss out on an extra special event where you will become more familiar with our carnivores and the enrichment that is utilized to enhance their lives. This unique experience is designed to provide you with interesting educational messages while stimulating healthy natural-like behaviors in our animal ambassadors. Registration will begin the morning of November 6, 2009. Cost is: $60 per person. There are no discounts for children. The registration fee is not refundable Juice and Buffet Breakfast will be served promptly at 7:30. Space is limited to the first 50 people. Registration and prepayment are required....

---SOLD OUT!--- Feast with the Beasts 2009

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:16:23 GMT

The Houston Zoo's 4th Annual Food & Drink Celebration Friday, November 6, 2009 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. The Houston Zoo’s Fourth Annual Feast with the Beasts is officially SOLD OUT! There are no more tickets available for this event. Thanks to everyone who has purchased tickets to the biggest Fall fundraising event for the Houston Zoo. Money raised helps support the care and feeding of the over 4,500 animals that call Houston Zoo home. Ticket for the Fall 2010 Feast with the Beasts will go on sale in August 2010, Make sure you subscribe to the Houston Zoo e-mail newsletter to get information on how to purchase tickets early. Featuring 50 of Houston’s hottest restaurants and a live performance by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on the Bud Light Stage! Guests must be 21 or older to attend Tickets purchased after 11/01 will be held at Will Call A generous thank you to our 2009 Sponsors. Launched in the fall of 2006 as a fundraiser for the Houston Zoo,...

Backyard Zoo - Create Your Own Wildlife Friendly Backyard

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:20:57 GMT

Do You Have a Wildlife Friendly Backyard? No matter where you live, or how big or small your backyard is, wildlife friendly areas can be easily set up to help out local wildlife. Take a look around your own backyard. Do you see any animals like squirrels or robins or butterflies going about their daily business in native grasses and bushes? Do you smell fragrant flowers and trees and hear the sounds of finches and sparrows? AZA zoos and aquariums have learned the best possible things to add to an animal’s habitat to make it top notch, and now you can also learn the things that your local wildlife needs to be able to survive! While different areas of the country attract different species, all wildlife needs the same basic things. Food – Make sure to add native shrubs, trees and plants that produce food for wildlife (nuts, berries, seeds, nectar, etc) to your backyard habitat. Bird, squirrel or butterfly feeders can be added as well to supplement these natural food sources. ...

Breakfast with Santa - December 20 and 21

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:44:57 GMT

Christmastime is here and that means it’s time for our annual Breakfast with Santa!

Join us this December for a scrumptious meal, fuzzy animals to get up close and personal with, and a visit by the jolly guy himself – Santa Claus!

DATES:

Saturday, December 19th – Two Seatings
8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. – Noon

Sunday, December 20st
8 - 9:30 a.m.

TICKETS:

Adults: $25 Member, $30 Non-Member

Children: $17.50 Member, $21.50 Non-Member

Infant (under 2 years): FREE

This event fills up quickly! Reservations required. Tickets are Non-Refundable.

View our Frequently Asked Questions about this event.

Home Page - Houston Zoo Television

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:11:16 GMT

Tiny Twins

These tiny twins our the newest addition to the pygmy marmoset family in the Natural Encounters rainforest. You can see more Houston Zoo videos on our Media Page.

See more on our media page...

Brick Paver Program

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:10:03 GMT

Buy a brick paver for the Houston Zoo’s Front Entry featuring your loved one’s name on it! When you support the Houston Zoo brick paver program, you demonstrate that you understand the Houston Zoo is a venue to enjoy with family and community. It combines fun and an interest in conservation and education, with exhibits and programs that incorporate a message of respect for animals and fosters a sense of wonder about the natural world. Your brick purchase is a contribution to the Zoo’s Annual Drive to Support the Zoo, which directly impacts the Zoo’s first rate animal care and guest experience programs. Nurture Houston’s Inner Wild! Brick Paver Options: $100 - 8x4 brick paver with two lines of text, twenty characters and spaces per line $250 - 8x8 brick paver with four lines of text, twenty characters and spaces per line, plus a paw print $2,500 - 16x16 brick paver with six lines of text, twenty characters and spaces per line, plus one animal image Click Here to...

Baja's Sea Turtles and Whales

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:58:12 GMT

Baja Escape: Exploring the Sea of Cortez
December 4th-9th, 2010

A journey that includes 5 days / 4 nights abourd the
National Geographic Sea Bird Explorer

Category 1 accomodations $2,490 double occupancy
not including international airfare

Explore the underwater world of Baja alongside an Undersea Specialist.

Utilize kayaks to uncover the coastal beauty of pristine islands and inlets.
Enjoy a beach barbecue under a starry sky.

Escape to a world teeming with wildlife; where the cactuses are the tallest on earth, the island beaches show no footprints except your own, and the setting sun seems to glow orange for hours.

This journey includes Naturalists and an Undersea Specialist, and a 4-night voyage in the Sea ofCortez that offers opportunities for kayaking, searching for whales and dolphins, hiking, Zodiac cruises, snorkeling with reef fish and sea lions, and a special beach barbecue under the desert sky.

For a complete itinerary and travel costs, please click here

For a deck plan of the National Geographic Sea Bird Explorer, please click here

For more information please contact conservation@houstonzoo.org

Borneo's Elephants and Orangutans

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:53:08 GMT

Encounters with the Elephants and Orangutans of Borneo May 13-24, 2010 Land cost price $5,499 double occupancy. International Airfare not included The Houston Zoo is offering a one-of-a-kind experience on the island of Borneo. An encounter with elephants and orangutans in the wild along the Kinabatangan River. For a detailed itinerary, please click here for PDF file The Bornean elephant sub-species was recently confirmed as a new taxon endemic to Borneo, dramatically increasing its importance in terms of biodiversity. Current estimates reveal that about 1,200-1,500 elephants are surviving in Borneo, most of them being found in eastern Sabah in highly fragmented populations. The Bornean elephant is thus the world’s most endangered member of the Proboscidae family, highlighting the urgent need to undertake sound conservation action. With a total size of 150 to 170 individuals, the Kinabatangan elephants are one of the priority populations in Borneo. Travel to...

Brazil's Pantanal - 2010

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:52:39 GMT

Brazil's Pantanal: South America's Savannah. July 10-18, 2010 Cost $5,999 per person double occupancy and includes international airfare The Pantanal is the largest inundated plain in the world and is a refuge for endangered species like the jaguar, hyacinth macaw, the giant anteater and the giant otter. Roughly the size of the United Kingdom, the Pantanal is found in the Brazilian states of Mato Grosso and South Mato Grosso. The dry and wet seasons are a remarkable characteristic of this ecosystem and dictate the rhythm of the incredible wild life sheltered in its ecosystem. There are an estimated 3,500 species of plants, 124 species of mammals, 177 species of reptiles, 41 species of amphibians and at least 423 species of birds. On this trip we can be fairly certain you will see WILD jaguar. At Fazenda Baia das Pedras, Fazenda Santa Teresa and the remarkable Jaguar Research Camp, all located in the Brazilian section of the Pantanal, you will have the opportunity to spot...

Experiencing Nature inspires us to protect it

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:52:21 GMT

The Houston Zoo's Safari Central Travel Program offers exciting and affordable opportunities to explore exotic destinations, observe wild creatures in their natural realms, and experience local cultures. Guided by local wildlife experts and experienced zoo staff, our travelers are immersed in wilderness landscapes and introduced to individuals who have taken on the task of safeguarding our planet's precious biological diversity. Each Naturally Wild travel excursion will feature a pre-trip meeting designed to help participants prepare for their adventures and to better understand the significance of their journeys abroad. Our goal is to inspire through experience and education. So, please join us for an upcoming nature quest. It could very well turn out to the adventure of a lifetime. Yellowstone in Spring: Wolf and Bear Discovery May 11-15, 2010 This tour...

The Annual Drive to Support the Zoo

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:50:25 GMT

Love Your Animals The animals of the Houston Zoo need you! This year when you make a donation to the Annual Fund, your generosity will support: New animals — Help us bring new animals to the Houston Zoo, like Astro, a sea lion pup who was found injured in the waters off the coast of northern California. Now, he lives happily at the Houston Zoo where his keepers shower him with attention and his favorite fishsicle treats. Conservation — The Zoo is involved in more than 22 conservation projects in more than 10 countries. In Borneo, the Zoo works with Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, dedicated to saving the last of these great apes. Here at the Zoo you can meet Rudi, our 20-year-old male orangutan. He is a truly amazing face for his cousins who face extinction in the wild, and can be seen in his exhibit daily with the other members of our orangutan family. All of our animals receive the best...

This Year...Make a LION'S Day!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:49:41 GMT

Winter is upon us and the year is coming to a close. In this season of giving, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the animals at the Zoo. The Houston Zoo is a non-profit organization that exists to bring our visitors closer to nature, and to bridge the gap between urban spaces and wild places. Your contribution will be used throughout the new year to care for and enrich the lives of our resident animals. Each of our 4,500 animals, like Jonathan, the handsome lion, help to link our guests to the natural world by serving as ambassadors for their wild counterparts. They deserve the very best care available, but in order to provide it, we rely on support from friends like you who know the important educational role that they play in our community. Please consider adding us to your gift list this year, and help make this season a bit brighter for Jonathan and his friends. Earlier this month, Jonathan received a very special gift thanks to donors like...

Thank You to our Generous Donors!

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:30:53 GMT

All corporate and foundation donors listed here made contributions totaling $1,000 or more in fiscal year 2008. We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our many individual donors whose generous ongoing support helps the Zoo continue to be a vital community asset. To view the Houston Zoo's complete FY08 Annual Report, please click here. ANNUAL SUPPORT $100,000 to $999,999 The Carruth Foundation John P. McGovern Foundation* Target Waste Management, Inc.* David Weekley Family Foundation Zoo Friends of Houston, Inc.* $50,000 to $99,999 Bridgeway Capital Management Continental Airlines - Official Airline of the Houston Zoo* ...