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The Annual Drive to Support the Zoo
Greetings! I'm Smaug the Komodo Dragon. We may have met if you've been to the Reptile House at the Houston Zoo. I'm kind of a rock star around here.
I literally spend my days napping on a heated rock and basking in the glory of my adoring fans. I've also been featured in two books and appeared on national TV with Nat Geo WILD.
This year, I'm honored to be stepping into my biggest role to date, as the Zoo's Annual Fund Spokes-Reptile.
You may know that Komodo Dragons are the largest (living) lizards on earth, but did you know we're also considered an endangered species? Bigger lizards than us have gone extinct, and that's why your support is so important.
By making a gift, you not only help to provide a home for endangered animals like me, but you also help us serve as ambassadors for our counterparts in the wild. The Zoo gives us a stage and a spotlight where we can be the rock stars we were born to be and help grow awareness and appreciation for all of our kind!
P.S. Did you know 2012 is the Year of the Dragon? Celebrate with a gift to the Zoo and come visit me soon!
Spotlight on Smaug the Komodo Dragon
Click the video below to get up-close and personal with Smaug and our Reptiles Supervisor, Judith Bryja.
Why Your Support Matters
The Houston Zoo is the only non-profit, privately funded zoological park in the Texas Gulf Coast area. Each year, earned revenue from gate admission, memberships, and concessions covers less than half of the total expenditures associated with operating the Zoo. Generous contributions from friends like you help us to fill that gap.
What Your Gift Will Fund
When you make a gift to the Zoo's Annual Drive, you can rest assured that your money will be used responsibly and in the area where it is most immediately needed, including:
Animal Care and Enrichment - All of our animals get "rock star" treatment every day, which includes nutritious meals, expert veterinary care, and enrichment items like toys and treats.
Education for Families and Youth - The Houston Zoo truly is a "Zoo for All." We provide education programs to individuals of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. These programs help communicate the importance of caring for animals and our environment.
Wildlife Conservation and Awareness - In addition to building appreciation for animals here on Zoo grounds, the Zoo participates in several conservation programs that are bringing animal species back from the brink of extinction.
A First Class Cultural Institution for Houston - As the fourth largest city in the country, doesn't Houston deserve a Zoo that is truly one-of-a-kind? Your gift will help keep our animal habitats modern and comfortable, and will enhance the Zoo experience for all who visit.
Maximizing Your Support
Does your company have a matching gift program? Corporate matching gifts are a great way for supporters like you to maximize personal contributions to the Zoo and increase the impact of your gift. By taking advantage of your company's matching gift benefits, you may be able to double or even triple the amount of your contribution. Each company has its own program guidelines, so contact your HR representative for more details.
Completed matching gift forms can be sent to:
For more information about giving to the Houston Zoo, read our most recent annual report or visit GuideStar, the premier site for researching nonprofit organizations.
You can also send us an email inquiry or call 713.533.6701 for more information.
