As an animal lover I couldn't wait to check out Houston Zoo. As a matter of fact, during conversation with other locals who asked me what I was doing while in town, each of them agreed that the zoo is a great place to check out.
When I got there, I was amazed at how every exhibit and display actually takes you to that animal habitat. Whether it is the plant life surrounding the boardwalk or the cave-like tunnel to walk through, you do forget you are in the middle of the city and not out in the wild somewhere.
Forget your safari gear (unless you have a particularly stylish pith helmet, then by all means, rock it), because we're about to embark on an urban jungle adventure.
The Houston Zoo, sprawling across an incredible 55 acres within Hermann Park, is a Houston institution. It's practically a rite of passage for any Houstonian, from their first awkward school field trip to dragging their own screaming offspring through the reptile house.
Walking into the Houston Zoo is like stepping into a well-maintained, slightly chaotic theme park. Lush greenery attempts to soften the concrete landscape, and the sounds of exotic birds mingle with the delighted shrieks of children. The first thing you'll likely encounter is a throng of strollers, a testament to the zoo's popularity with families. Navigating this stroller armada requires the skills of a seasoned sailor navigating a treacherous sea. (Can you tell I'm not a fan of kids and it was kid overload during my visit?)
The Houston Zoo boasts an impressive collection of creatures, great and small. Let's highlight some of the A-listers:
The gorillas: These majestic primates are always a crowd-pleaser. Watching them lounge around, pick their noses with impressive dexterity, and occasionally engage in a staring contest with visitors is strangely captivating. You might even witness a silverback display, which is basically gorilla stand-up comedy, only with more chest-beating and less observational humor.
The elephants: The elephant enclosure is a highlight, offering plenty of space for these gentle giants to roam. Watching them bathe, play with their toys (giant tires, mostly), and generally be adorable is a guaranteed mood booster. Just be prepared for the potential…splash zone. These guys can really fling some water.
The giraffes: Who doesn't love a giraffe? These long-necked beauties are like walking skyscrapers, and the Houston Zoo's giraffe feeding experience is a must-do. For a few extra bucks, you can hand-feed them lettuce, which is surprisingly thrilling. Just watch out for their long, slobbery tongues. It's like getting kissed by a very tall, very leafy dog.
The reptile house: OK, maybe not everyone loves the reptile house. But if you're into snakes, lizards, and other scaly critters, this is your paradise. Prepare to be mesmerized (or mildly creeped out) by the sheer variety of these cold-blooded creatures. Just don't make eye contact with the venomous ones. You never know what they're thinking. Probably something along the lines of, "I could take you down with one bite."
The sea lions: These playful pinnipeds are always a hit. Their graceful swimming and goofy antics are endlessly entertaining. The daily sea lion training demonstrations are particularly fun, showcasing their intelligence and athleticism. Plus, they make adorable barking noises.
The Houston Zoo offers more than just animal viewing. There's a carousel, a train that chugs around the park, and a splash pad for cooling off on those sweltering Houston days.
It's a great place to spend a day, whether you're a seasoned zoophile or just looking for a fun outing. The animal exhibits are well-maintained, the staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Just remember, you're not just visiting a zoo; you're embarking on an adventure. So put on your walking shoes, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to explore the wild side of Houston. You might just have a roaring good time.
