HOUSTON ZOO AND FIESTA MART LAUNCH DISCOUNT TICKET INITIATIVE 

Each year the Zoo’s board of Directors reviews the Zoo’s admission price structure.  This year the Board unanimously approved higher admission prices.  It is the zoo’s first admission increase in two years.  Effective July 1, 2007 admission prices for tickets purchased the Zoo admission booths will be $10 for adults (age 12 to 64), $5 for children (age 2 to 12), and $5.75 for seniors (age 65+).  Children under two years of age are admitted free of charge. 

The Zoo will continue to observe five free days each year (MLK Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and the Friday after Thanksgiving).  The Zoo will also continue a near 20 year tradition of free field trip admission for the students of public and private schools within the city limits of Houston.  The Zoo’s Community Access Ticket program makes tickets available year round through a partnership with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission and the Harris County Hospital District’s Prescription for Fun program.  KTRK, ABC 13 television has generously provided public service announcements to help promote the Access program. 

“In our last fiscal year, FY 2006, approximately 18 percent of the Zoo’s average 1.4 million guests, about 250,000 people enjoyed the Zoo free of charge,” said Cannon.  “Attendance figures for the fiscal year just ends June 30th are not yet available but we expect to meet that free attendance number this year,” added Cannon.

About Fiesta Mart  
       
Founded in 1972, Houston-based Fiesta Mart, a unit of Grocers Supply Company, Inc. operates 33 stores in the greater Houston area. 

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving 1.5 million guests annually.  Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species.  Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is located at 1513 North MacGregor.  The Zoo is open daily during Daylight Savings time from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. with the last ticket sold at 6 p.m.  Regular admission is $10 for adults, $5.75 for seniors, $5 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2.  Zoo memberships start at only $55.  For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org. 

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot.  With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor.  For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things.  With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.  For more information visit www.aza.org.