Zoo Media Policy
Our public relations staff is eager to help you! We welcome the opportunity to assist credentialed broadcast, electronic and print journalists with feature stories and editorial coverage of Houston Zoo.
A few things to keep in mind:
- We promise to help make your story a great one; however, the staff of Houston Zoo, including keepers, curators and veterinarians, as well as the Public Relations office, may occasionally set guidelines and limitations to ensure the safety of our animals and Zoo guests.
- All interviews with Zoo employees will be arranged through the Public Relations office; after all, we are here to make your job fun and easy.
- As much as we’d like to go above and beyond where a great story is concerned, quarantine areas are off limits to media personnel. But hey, there’s a whole zoo to explore!
- Reporters and photographers are allowed in visitor-approved areas and public pathways; but with some notice we may let you explore just a bit more.
- The Houston Zoo staff would like your visit to be a memorable one; therefore, special permission is required to enter Zoo exhibits and off-exhibit areas. Our team of Public Relations experts will be sure to get you where you need!
Media Admissions Policy
The Houston Zoo’s news media admission policy enables working media to become familiar with the Zoo’s various feature opportunities. We will consider requests as a professional courtesy on a case-by-case basis based upon the relevancy of each applicant’s news outlet and market. This courtesy is extended to active members of the news media only (reporters, producers, editors), not retired personnel. Please email your request to media@houstonzoo.org.
Please note that 72 business hours advance notice is required.
Content Creator Requests
Thank you for your interest in wanting to partner with the Houston Zoo within your digital space! To express your interest, please fill out the form below, and our PR Team will reach out in 3-5 business days.
Press Releases
2026
June 15, 2026
Kickin’ It with Kirby: Elephant Calf Joins the Soccer Spirit
Asian elephant calf Kirby kicks a soccer ball at the Houston Zoo as soccer fans fill the city this summer.
June 5, 2026
Remembering Jonah
California sea lion Jonah, beloved Houston Zoo resident for 13 years, passed away at age 29.
May 20, 2026
Houston Zoo Reaches One Million Egg Milestone in Houston Toad Recovery Effort
The Zoo released more than one million Houston toad eggs into Bastrop County habitat, aided by custom egg-counting software developed with a Houston medical physicist.
May 6, 2026
Houston Zoo Welcomes Two Baby Primates Ahead of Mother’s Day
Tuve, a howler monkey named for Jose Altuve, and a newborn white-cheeked gibbon join the Zoo’s growing families.
May 5, 2026
Golden Years, Cutting-Edge Care: Houston Zoo Elevates Health for Senior Animals
Florence, a 21-year-old green anaconda, receives a CT scan as part of a new senior wellness program.
April 28, 2026
Houston Zoo Names Jennifer Garcia as Chief Financial Officer
Garcia joins from the YMCA of Greater Houston, where she served as CFO since 2020.
April 22, 2026
Fleet Week Houston: From Sea to Sea Lions
330 U.S. Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard servicemembers visited the Houston Zoo during Fleet Week Houston.
April 14, 2026
A Wildly Successful Walk for the Wild 5K
The event raised more than $202,000 — the most in its six-year history — with more than 1,200 participants.
April 2, 2026
Houston Zoo Goes Wild About April
A month-long lineup of events including Zoo Bloom, Walk for the Wild 5K, Feast with the Beasts, and Autism Acceptance Day.
March 30, 2026
Houston Zoo Names Inaugural Chief Brand and Experience Officer
Creighton Kahoalii, former SVP with the Houston Astros, joins the Zoo in the newly created senior role.
March 19, 2026
Zoo Bloom: A Springtime Celebration of Wildlife, Plants and Pollinators
New multi-day event runs March 27 through May 3, featuring Houston Zoo’s first public plant sale and extended evening hours.
February 26, 2026
Spring Break Adventures Turn Legendary at Houston Zoo
TXU Energy presents Mythical Realms opens March 6, featuring more than 60 life-sized animatronic creatures.
February 12, 2026
Houston Zoo Advances Animal Care with Brand-New CT Machine
The Zoo becomes one of the few accredited zoos in the country with an on-site CT machine, funded through a $3.2 million campaign.
February 4, 2026
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Houston Zoo
The Zoo’s first-ever Lunar New Year celebration, Feb. 14-15, marks the Year of the Fire Horse with cultural programming and Asian wildlife keeper chats.
January 15, 2026
Houston Zoo Honors Global Conservation Heroes: 2025 Wildlife Warrior Award Recipients
Peace Irigabiza (Rwanda) and Raveloarisoa Hermano (Madagascar) receive the 2026 Wildlife Warrior Awards.
January 8, 2026
Houston Zoo Begins Multi-Year Africa Habitat Upgrades
Construction begins on rhinoceros and giraffe habitat improvements and a refreshed Shani Market, with phased openings through early 2027.
