About the Exhibit
Our newest exhibit is now open! The first major exhibit of its kind to showcase the remarkable wildlife of the legendary island chain, the Houston Zoo’s Galápagos Islands immerses guests in an environment evoking the archipelago’s unique landscapes and oceanic habitats. No place on our planet better exemplifies the wonders of unique species, the delicate balance of ecosystems, or the pressing need for conservation action than the Galápagos.
This exhibit is included with general admission and is free for members.
As a Zoo member, you can get extra tickets not covered by your membership at a discounted price when you log in to the Member Portal.
For the comfort and safety of all guests, strollers, wagons, and coolers are not permitted in the Galápagos Islands exhibit. More info>
Penguins at the Zoo
Our Galápagos Islands exhibit includes a state-of-the-art habitat for Humboldt penguins. With sea lions, giant tortoises, sharks, and more, Galápagos Islands will add an extraordinary immersive experience to Houston’s world-class zoo. Humboldt penguins are a great fit for Houston, since they originate from Chile and Peru in South America where it can get as warm as 100 degrees. However, they will not have to battle the Houston heat since they will have a climate-controlled environment where they will be comfortable at a consistent temperature and will be protected against Houston’s mosquitos which can potentially transmit avian malaria to penguins.
The penguin exhibit was given with love, in memory of Isabel James Davis and her granddaddy, James Anderson Elkins III, who lived their lives with so much joy.
Animals to See Here
What's Next: Galápagos Islands at the Houston Zoo
Join us on a peek behind our construction fence to find out why we’re bringing the Galápagos Islands to you in early 2023. Watch episode 1 of our brand-new web series, “What’s Next: Galápagos Islands at the Houston Zoo” now!
Learn more about the species that call the Galápagos home in Episode 2 of our web series “What’s Next: Galápagos Islands at the Houston Zoo.” The Galápagos tortoises here at the Houston Zoo are direct offspring from a tortoise that came to our Zoo in 1928 as part of a conservation action initiated by the Bronx Zoo.
Learn more about the species that call the Galápagos home in Episode 3 of our web series “What’s Next: Galápagos Islands at the Houston Zoo.” This episode takes a dive into the One Ocean aquarium where guests will see the unique coral reef structures of the Galápagos reef and a tumble of volcanic boulders, which provide niches within the 270,000-gallon habitat, where sea turtles, sharks, rays, and other fish swim and take shelter. Tune in below!
Learn more about the species that call the Galápagos Islands home in Episode 4 of our web series “What’s Next: Galápagos Islands at the Houston Zoo.” This episode dives into one of the most anticipated animals of this new exhibit, penguins! Humboldt penguins are a great fit for Houston, since they originate from Chile and Peru in South America where it can get as warm as 100 degrees. Watch now!
Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Campaign
The Houston Zoo announced its Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital campaign in April 2018, looking forward to 2022 and the celebration of its 100-year anniversary. As we approached this milestone, the Zoo created a series of transformative exhibits, new public amenities, and enhanced public spaces. These projects were completed in a six-year, multi-phase plan across the Zoo’s 55-acre site, situated in Hermann Park southwest of downtown Houston. The largest initiative in the campaign is the Galápagos Islands.
Galápagos Islands Site Plan
About Our Centennial
In 2022, we celebrated the Houston Zoo’s 100th anniversary by completing the most dramatic transformation in our history, with our Galápagos Islands exhibit opening in early 2023. We aim to redefine what a zoo can be with beautiful and immersive habitats, compelling guest experiences, and an unyielding commitment to saving wildlife. Together, we will keep our world wild.
