Check out some of our top features from our inaugural year, along with the rest of our 2020 features!
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Curly the Sloth - November 25
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Giant River Otters in Pantanal - September 16
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Baby Nelson - May 29
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Sea Turtles Release - May 19
Curly is sloth goals. He sleeps anywhere between 18-20 hours a day! Linnaeus’s two-toed sloths are nocturnal and tend to have a great sense of smell.
Did you get to meet our giant river otters Dru and Max on this morning’s livestream? If you missed out, or just want to watch it again, check out our Facebook Live library presented by T-Mobile: bit.ly/2wHMYBw
Learn more about our herd from Rob, our elephant manager, and see the youngest member, Nelson, up close!
Watch Zookeepers Andy and Cody from the Houston Zoo’s Sea Turtle Hospital release three green sea turtles back into the wild.
December 2020
Pygmy Hippo - December 16
Thank you for joining us in our last Facebook Live of 2020, and for tuning in all year-long! We hope you enjoyed seeing Silas, our pygmy hippo, who made his public debut three weeks ago. You can see him in his exhibit across from the ankole cattle.
We’ll be back in January, Wednesdays at 11am! Happy holidays! 💚
Ambassador Animals with Camp Supervisor Nick - December 9
Tingoora – Ting for short – may look like a dog, but she’s a dingo native to Australia. Unlike dogs, she’s unable to bark but can howl like a wolf, which is a distant relative of theirs.
Shasta - December 2
Although cougars may look like a big cat, they’re actually classified as a small cat. They have the ability to purr, not roar, like cheetahs. If you missed today’s livestream with University of Houston mascot, Shasta, or want to watch it again, check it out online.
November 2020
Orangutans - November 18
Orangutans are the only great ape species that is primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. This week, our newly renovated orangutan habitat reopened and features an additional viewing area for guests, as well as additional shade and naturalistic logs and vines for our orangutans to climb.
Elephant Bath with Baylor - November 11
Every morning, our 11 elephants receive a bath from their zookeepers to ensure they’re healthy and to work on voluntary training behaviors, including checking their feet and mouths. Weighing over 7,000 lbs, it’s important for Baylor and our herd to have their feet regularly checked.
Komodo Dragon - November 4
For millions of years, Komodo dragons have inhabited a small group of Indonesian islands, including Komodo – hence their name!
October 2020
Black Bears - October 28
Belle and Willow, are gearing up for denning season, also known as torpor, where their body temperature and metabolic rate slow down. This means they are less interested in food and may not even need to drink water or pass waste from December-February. Black bears in Texas do not truly hibernate since it doesn’t get as cold in the winter here.
Not-So-Spooky Critters - October 21
We’re still buzzing over today’s Facebook Live! Zookeeper Declan took us up close with a few of our Bug House residents to show you how cool bugs really are and why they aren’t as frightening as you may think.
Goat Tour - October 14
We hope you enjoyed this morning’s walk with our goats, Finnegan, Alvin, and Shadow! No kidding, it was pretty cute!
South America's Pantanal Preview - October 7
We hope you enjoyed this morning’s tour of our South America’s Pantanal, which opens this Saturday! Be among the first to see a variety of animals right here at the Houston Zoo including giant rivers otters, a jaguar, and many more!
September 2020
American Alligators - September 30
American alligators go into a state of hibernation — similar to bears — called brumation, which starts in October and goes until February or March.
Masai Giraffes - September 23
Giraffe’s tongues are dark purple, which helps help protect them from the sun! It’s kind of like sunscreen for the tongue! 🦒 If you missed today’s livestream from the giraffe barn, or just want to watch the replay, check out our Facebook Live library presented by T-Mobile: bit.ly/3iXVe3h
Animal Ambassadors - September 9
Black throated monitors can be found in South Eastern Africa. Did you know that these species are also related to Komodo dragons? We hope you enjoyed today’s livestream!
Amphibians - September 2
Did you know that the Hellbender Salamander has folds on their skin that help them absorb oxygen underwater? Thanks for tuning into today’s livestream with Zookeeper Chris!
August 2020
Farm Animals - August 19
We hope you enjoyed learning more about Winston the pig, Levi the sheep, Fiesta the llama, Zamir the Zebu!
Elephants - August 12
We hope you enjoyed this morning’s #WorldElephantDay livestream!
Peter Rabbit - August 5
We hope you enjoyed this morning’s Peter Rabbit update!
July 2020
Galapagos Tortoises - July 29
Galapagos tortoises can grow to be about 150 pounds! We hope you enjoyed learning more about our tortoises this morning with Zookeeper Eddie. Watch the replay.
Whooping Cranes - July 22
In the 1940s, there were around only 20 whooping cranes left in the wild. Thanks to conservation efforts, their population has increased and there are now over 850 whooping cranes. Watch this morning’s livestream with Zookeepers Tim and Stephanie.
Sea Lions - July 15
See our sea lions participate in a recycling challenge and take the pledge to reduce your single-use plastics and help save sea lions in the wild!
River Otters - July 8
Learn more about our North American river otters, Jack and Belle, and how you can help save them in the wild by making the switch to reusable water bottles and shopping bags.
Tiny Tenrecs - July 1
Believe it or not, these mighty tenrecs are most closely related to elephants! Learn more about our tenrec trio from Children’s Zoo Supervisor Danielle.
June 2020
Bug House - June 24
Learn more about some of our smallest residents at the Zoo from Zookeeper Declan as we celebrate #InsectWeek!
Curly the Sloth - June 17
Find out more about Curly, our Linnaeus’s two-toed sloth, from Zookeeper Tessa!
Ambassador Snakes - June 10
Learn more about two of our Ambassador snakes, William Snakespeare, our ball python, and Jolt, our Sonoran gopher snake, from Camp Supervisor Nick!
Reopening Modifications - June 1
Check out our final daily Bringing the Zoo to You Facebook Live as Jackie, our director of public relations shares more about some of the modifications you can expect when you visit the Zoo and some of the items you can purchase at our gift shop.
May 2020
Reopening FAQs
Hear from Jackie, our director of public relations, as she shares more about the Zoo’s reopening plans and answers frequently asked questions from viewers.
South America's Pantanal - May 27
Check out a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of our upcoming South America’s Pantanal exhibit opening later this year.
Rhino Bath - May 26
Learn more about our southern white rhino, George, from Zookeeper John as gets a bath.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Western Lowland Gorillas - May 22
Learn more about our bachelor gorilla troop from Zookeeper Ashley as she does an ice pop toss to them as part of today’s enrichment.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Schmidt's Red-Tailed Monkey - May 21
Learn more about our youngest Schmidt’s red-tailed guenon, Peter Rabbit, from Zookeeper Miriam!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Pollinators - May 20
Learn more about our pollinators from Children’s Zoo Supervisor Michelle as we chat with Rodeo Houston!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Masai Giraffes - May 18
Just like humans, giraffes have seven neck vertebrae! Learn more about our Masai giraffes from Zookeeper Kendall!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Attwater's Prairie Chickens - May 15
Learn more from Zookeeper and APC Recovery Program Coordinator, Amber, as she takes you on a behind the scenes look at the work we’re doing to restore the Attwater’s prairie chicken population in the wild.
Houston Zoo at Home
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View Attwater’s Prairie Chicken activities
Good News Blog Series
Learn how we are helping save animals in the wild and how you can, too.
Turtle Building - May 14
Watch as Zookeeper Chris gives viewers a behind the scenes tour of our Turtle Building.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Guam Rail and Golden Lion Tamarins - May 13
Learn how we’re helping save birds in the wild like the Guam Rail from Bird Curator Hannah and see our Ambassador Guam Rail, Hurao, clean the waterways as part of his training. Zookeepers Sydney and Tessa are also sharing more about the endangered golden lion tamarins.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Coquerel's Sifaka - May 12
Sifakas can jump 20 feet from tree to tree! Learn more about our sifaka family from Zookeeper Tiffany!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Jaguars - May 11
Jaguars have the strongest bite force of any cat! Watch our female jaguar jump 9 feet in the air for her bone-in meat enrichment and learn more about this elusive big cat species from Zookeeper Tori.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Behind-the-Scenes Birds - May 8
Ahead of World Migratory Bird Day, we’re taking you behind the scenes to introduce you to a few of our bird species that are off exhibit with Zookeeper Jessica.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Elephant Bath - May 7
See our oldest male elephant, Thailand, who will be 55 in June, get an elephant bath from Zookeepers Mandy and Kim.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Unusual Fish - May 6
Banded archer fish shoot a jet of water at their prey to knock it into the water! Learn more about some of our unusual fish in our Natural Encounters building from Zookeepers Kenny and Denise.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Swap Shop - May 5
Learn more about the Swap Shop and how trading works from Senior Naturalist Sara and even meet a few of our Texas native Ambassador Animals with Zookeeper Tianna.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Ankole Cattle - May 4
Ankole cattle date back 4,000 years ago! Learn more about our three Ankole cattle from Zookeeper Memory.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Komodo Dragon - May 1
Komodo dragons are the largest living lizard in the world! We’re taking viewers up close with Boga, our 12-year-old Komodo dragon as he eats a whole pig to help exercise his jaw and encourage natural behaviors they would display in the wild.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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April 2020
Lions - April 30
Learn more about our lion pride from Carnivore Supervisor Kathy and see them interact with a variety of enrichment.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Houston Toads - April 29
Learn how we are helping save Houston toads in the wild through our Houston Toad Recovery Program and meet Zookeepers Matt and Brittanie.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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North American Porcupine - April 28
Zookeeper Russell shares more about one of our Ambassador Animals, Ernie, the North American Porcupine.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Baird's Tapirs - April 27
Zookeeper Kendall shares more about two of our Baird’s tapirs, Molli and Frida for #WorldTapirDay.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Pollinators - April 24
Bennett takes us up close with Milly, our three-banded armadillo, and Anna from Horticulture.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Tenrec - April 23
Zookeeper Lisa shares more about one of our nocturnal friends, Ninerec the tenrec!
Houston Zoo at Home
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View nocturnal animals activities
Good News Blog Series
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Orangutans - April 22
Zookeeper Cheka shares more about our orangutans, Rudi and Kelly from their habitat!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Texas Wetlands - April 21
Water Quality Technician Karen takes us on an up-close look from inside our Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands.
Houston Zoo at Home
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View texas wetlands activities
Good News Blog Series
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North American River Otters - April 20
Learn more about the playful North American river otter from Zookeeper Jay and meet otters, Jack and Belle!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Texas Snakes - April 17
Texas is home to more snake species than any other state in the U.S. Learn more about some of our native species from Zookeeper Chris!
Good News Blog Series
Learn how we are helping save animals in the wild and how you can, too.
Meerkats - April 16
Did you know meerkats can dig 6-7 ft. below ground! Learn more about our mob from Zookeeper Hayley as she takes you up close with our meerkats.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Flamingos - April 15
Learn more about our flamboyance of flamingos from Zookeeper Steve!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Coastal Pool - April 14
Zookeeper Heather takes viewers up close at our Coastal Pool to learn more about our brown pelicans, ruddy ducks, and laughing gull.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Okapi - April 13
Okapis are the only living relative of giraffes. Learn more about our Okapis, Kwame and Sukari from Zookeeper Jessica.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Asian Small-Clawed Otters - April 10
It’s about to get otterly adorable! Zookeeper Priscilla shares more about our two Asian small-clawed otters, Danh Tu and Hope.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Vet Clinic - April 9
Take a behind scenes look at our veterinary clinic with Dr. Joe as Dr. Judilee performs an exam on a wild green sea turtle.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Mole Rats - April 8
Learn more about one of the most unique mammals in the world from Zookeeper Hayley and Peter, vice president of conservation & education.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Southern White Rhino - April 7
Zookeeper Memory is taking you behind the scenes to meet Mumbles our white rhino!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Good News Blog Series
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Galapagos Tortoises - April 6
Our Zookeepers Scott, Chris, and Priscilla are taking you up close to meet the largest living tortoise, the Galapagos tortoise, along with a few of our other tortoise species.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Bug House - April 3
We’re taking you behind the scenes at the Bug House with Zookeeper Julie and General Curator Kevin!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Cougars - April 1
General Curator Kevin and our Carnivore team are sharing all about our cougars, Shasta and Haley, from our cougar den.
Houston Zoo at Home
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March 2020
Green-winged Macaw - March 31
Zookeeper Sydney is here to tell you all about Clark, our green-winged macaw, including his favorite song!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Red Pandas - March 30
Zookeepers Marisol and Natalie are sharing more about our adorable red pandas, Li Ming and Také.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Clouded Leopards - March 27
Our Zookeepers Kathy and Danielle are taking you on an up-close adventure with our clouded cubs, Nova and Luna!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Sea Lions - March 26
Get an up-close look at sea lion training and enrichment with sea lions Jonah and Kamia along with their keepers Sophie, Krista, and Amanda.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Whooping Cranes - March 25
Once on the brink of extinction, learn more about our whooping cranes, Heiden and Angel, who reside in our Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands Exhibit. Bird Zookeeper Kelly takes us up close!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Chimpanzees - March 24
Meet Primates Zookeepers Agnieszka and Victoria as they highlight our chimpanzee troop.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Banded Mongoose - March 23
Learn more about our mongoose mob from Children’s Zookeeper Brian.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Curly the Sloth - March 20
Hang with Curly the sloth and his zookeepers and learn more about our two-toed sloth.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Elephant Bath - March 19
Zookeepers Mandy and Kim take us up-close during an elephant bath with elephants Tess, Tupelo, and Tilly. Tune in to see the surprise cameo!
Houston Zoo at Home
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Cheetah Walk - March 18
Tag along on a cheetah walk with the carnivore team and Dash, one of our male cheetahs here at the Zoo.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Goat Social Party - March 17
It’s a goat social! Children’s Zookeepers Natalie and Dan are bringing some of our adorable goats to you.
Houston Zoo at Home
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Giraffe Feeding - March 16
Our giraffes can brighten anyone’s day! Elephant zookeepers Heather and John share all about our giraffe herd.
Houston Zoo at Home
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