Tue, Dec. 24: The Zoo will be closing early at 2pm, with last entry at 1pm.

male jaguar Tesoro looking up towards the sky in habitat

Adopt an Animal

Become a proud conservationist of a Houston Zoo animal today! By symbolically adopting an animal, you not only help the care and feeding of that animal, but also support education and conservation programs at Houston Zoo.

Important Holiday Message:

Adopt gifts purchased after 12:00pm on December 19, will not be packaged and shipped until January 2. Thank you for supporting the Zoo this holiday season!

Adopt a Hippopotamus

Now through December 31, you or a loved one can symbolically adopt Akobi, the pygmy hippo. Adopt at the Guardian level or above and you’ll receive a cuddly plush animal!

ADOPT A PYGMY HIPPO

Choose Your Animal to Adopt

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt an Alligator

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT AN ASIAN OTTER

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt a Sea Lion

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A CAPYBARA

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt a Cheetah

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt a Flamingo

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT AN ANTEATER

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A GIRAFFE

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A GORILLA

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A HUMBOLDT PENGUIN

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A KOMODO DRAGON

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt a Meerkat

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt an Orangutan

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A RED PANDA

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Adopt a Ring-Tailed Lemur

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

ADOPT A SEA TURTLE

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Plush for Guardian, Protector and Classroom levels:

Five Levels to Choose From

Advocate $35

+ $6 shipping and handling

Adopt Certificate

Fact Sheet

5×7 Animal Photo

Adopt E-Newsletter

(no plush at this level)

Guardian $60

+ $10 shipping and handling

Adopt Certificate

Fact Sheet

5×7 Animal Photo

Adopt E-Newsletter

Animal Plush

Protector $100

+ $10 shipping and handling

Adopt Certificate

Fact Sheet

5×7 Animal Photo

Adopt E-Newsletter

Animal Plush

Two Houston Zoo Tickets

Classroom $110

+ $10 shipping and handling

Adopt Certificates (Up to 25)

Fact Sheet

5×7 Animal Photo

Adopt E-Newsletter

Animal Plush

Conservation Bracelets (Up to 25)

Birthday $200

+ $10 shipping and handling

Adopt Certificate

Fact Sheet

5×7 Animal Photo

Adopt E-Newsletter

Animal Plush

Four Houston Zoo tickets

Houston Zoo Birthday Button

20 to 30 second “Happy Birthday” video message featuring the adopted animal and one of our zookeepers!

*Please note: Only select animals available at this level. Please allow 4-6 weeks to receive video message.*

Adopt an Animal for a Birthday Here

Adopt Shasta

Find Out How to Adopt Shasta

Send us a picture with your Adopted animal to be featured on our Adopt page!

Email us at adopt@houstonzoo.org

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I get to take the animal home with me?

No. The Adopt program is a symbolic adoption and the animal will remain at Houston Zoo.

Will anyone else adopt this animal?

Yes. It takes the support of more than one adoption to feed and care for an animal all year. All adoptions support the care and feeding of the animal residents at Houston Zoo.

Can I have multiple recipient names on my Adoption certificate?

No. Each animal needs the care and support of multiple donations, therefore, only one name will be printed on the Adoption certificate.

Can I name my Adopted animal?

All our zoo residents have names and we are more than happy to add it to your certificate upon request. Please email Adopt at adopt@houstonzoo.org

May I Adopt onsite at the Zoo?

No. All adoptions must be completed online or over the phone. The package will be shipped to you or the gift recipient.

How long does my adoption last?

Each adoption lasts for one year but our animal family would love to have your continued support. When your year is up, you may renew your adoption online, over the phone or by mail.

Can you tell me more about the plush animal I will receive?

The plush animals are high-quality 12″ plush. They are great for gift giving! Yes, the plush animal will be the same animal as your Adopt.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Please contact us at adopt@houstonzoo.org or (713) 533-6849.

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