Posts Tagged ‘animals’

We’re Closed on Christmas Day

Posted by in Christmas,Events

The Houston Zoo will be closed on Christmas Day. Keepers will work abbreviated shifts on December 25 cleaning exhibits and feeding the Zoo’s 6,000 animals. The Zoo will reopen December 26 observing the standard 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. operating hours. Christmas Day is the only day of the year the Zoo is not open to the public.  The Zoo will also close early at 3 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with the last guest entry at 2 p.m.

“A zoo is a 24 hour a day, 7 day a week operation. We’ve arranged shifts for our keepers to ensure that all the animals will receive their regular care and feeding but still give the staff time to enjoy Christmas with their families,” said Zoo Director Rick Barongi.

Mystery Image Monday: Answers

Posted by in Contest,Scavenger Hunt

You’ve arrived at the place to get answers the Mystery Image Monday’s pix. We’ll put the most recent answer at the top as each week goes by, so  just scroll down to find the earlier ones.

6/6 Mystery Image #1: It’s a Koolookamba

That’s right, you guessed it! This tree shades guests along the Forest Walk entry path in the Zoo’s newest habitat, The African Forest, which opened in December of 2010. Now home to our giraffes, ostriches, rhinos, kudu and a family of chimpanzees, The African Forest has several shady spots for guests (and animals)… and don’t forget that the chimp viewing area is even air-conditioned!

Can you see the koolakamba in the tree?

This tree is special on Houston Zoo grounds, not just for the shade it provides, but for the hidden image on its trunk. When viewed closely, this tree reveals a Hidden Koolookamba!

What’s a Koolookamba you ask? In the 1800’s explorers in Africa reported sightings of a mysterious ape-like creature that resembled the cross between a chimpanzee and a gorilla. This mysterious animal, called the Koolookamba, has become the African equivalent of the Yeti or Bigfoot.

Hidden among the 6.5 acres of The African Forest, 31 more Koolookamba images await you. Can you find them all on your next visit? Be sure to visit our Koolookamba tracking guide before your next visit so you can join in on the fun!

Hope you enjoy Mystery Image Monday! Be sure to check back with us next Monday, and every Monday throughout our entire TXU Energy Presents Chill Out at the Houston Zoo summer!

iPhone App Updates

Posted by in iPhone App - Houston Zoo

Checked out the FREE Houston Zoo iPhone App lately?

We just added 43 new animals, 15 new videos, and some new GPS locations.

New Animals Include (full list at bottom)…

11 from Natural Encounters
10 from the Aquarium
10 from the Reptile House
7  from the Tropical Bird House
4 residents of our Orangutan Moat
1 from the Children’s Zoo

iPhoneAppAriel

New Videos Include…

Under “More” – A new area of our “Latest Videos”

Brand new red panda video!
Bald eagle video
Orangutan video & more!

GPS Points

Location of 80+ recycle bins to help you be green on your next visit

Search “Houston Zoo” in the App Store to download for free!


New Animals (Tropical birdhouse: African pygmy kingfisher, Asian fairy bluebird, Blue-breasted kingfisher, Crested Wood-partridge, Golden-headed Quetzal, Orange Bishop, Pekin Robin, Reptile house: Anegada island iguana Barton springs salamanders, Black-breasted leaf turtle, Chinese crocodile lizard, Cuban crocodile, Dyeing poison dart frog, Fantastic leaf-tailed gecko Lace Monitor, Panamanian Golden Frog, Rhinoceros Iguana, Aquarium: Banggai cardinal fish, Boeseman’s rainbowfish, Button polyp, Checkerboard freshwater stingrays, Discus, Long-spine sea urchin, Peacock Cichlid, Sea Jellies, Sea Turtle, Yellow spotted river turtle, Natural encounters: Black-headed python, Blue-bellied roller, Brazilian salmon pink tarantula, Four-eyed fish, Honeypot Ant, Pygmy Marmosets, Pygmy Slow Loris, Snake-necked Turtle, Three-banded Armadillo, Trinidad Giant Cockroach, Vulturine Guineafowl, Orangutan moat: Koi – Japanese Carp, Malaysian Giant Turtle, Mandarin Duck, Yellow-headed Temple Turtle, Children’s Zoo: Madagascar Hissing Cockroach)