Houston Zoo, situated in Hermann Park, announced the Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital campaign, a 20-year masterplan, in April 2018.
The largest initiative in the campaign, the Galápagos Islands, opens in time for the zoo’s centennial in fall 2022.
The zoo is also developing various transformative exhibits, public amenities and enhanced public spaces as part of a six-year plan across several phases.
The state-of-the-art exhibit will be an immersive, Galápagos-themed environment. It will house sea lions, giant tortoises, sharks and Humboldt penguins.
20-year masterplan for Houston Zoo
Humboldt penguins originate from Chile and Peru in South America. They will enjoy a climate-controlled environment at Houston Zoo.
The Humboldt penguins moving to Houston are part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan (SSP).
The SSP programme oversees the population of certain species within AZA member organisations and works on the conservation of these species in the wild.
“In 2022, we will celebrate the Houston Zoo’s 100th anniversary by completing the most dramatic transformation in our history,” said Lee Ehmke, president and CEO of Houston Zoo.
Houston Zoo’s 100th anniversary in 2022
“We aim to redefine what a zoo can be with beautiful and immersive habitats, compelling guest experiences, and an unyielding commitment to saving wildlife.”
“I invite you to join me on this thrilling journey to build the world-class zoo Houston deserves,” added Ehmke. “Together, we will keep our world wild.”
Longhorn Organics, a creator of high-quality filtration systems, is working on the Galápagos Islands expansion alongside the Houston Zoo.
Elsewhere, Chester Zoo has unveiled an ambitious masterplan, which aims to tackle the world’s climate and conservation emergencies by 2030.
Images: Houston Zoo
