NEWS
For immediate release| 02.04.26
Download Photos and Broll, Gallery Password: HouZoo1922
Photo credit: Houston Zoo | Video credit: Kevin Kendrick/Houston Zoo
HOUSTON (Feb. 4, 2026) – Houston Zoo is hosting its first-ever Lunar New Year celebration on February 14-15. During this special weekend guests will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with themed Keeper Chats, dragon dancer performances and exploring the Zoo to learn more about Asian animals like the Malayan tiger, orangutans, and Asian elephants. The event embraces cultural diversity, honors tradition and celebrates community while spotlighting the remarkable wildlife from the region.
Throughout the weekend, guests will enjoy dragon and lion dance performances, participate in the Wishing Tree, where guests can share their hopes and intentions for the year ahead, and a dragon and cherry blossom photo op. Meet the Keeper Chats, presented by CenterPoint Energy, will highlight Asian animals at the Zoo and take home a plant during the plant giveaway. Activities are included with general Zoo admission, and free for members.
As part of the celebration, Houston Zoo is reaffirming its commitment to being a Zoo for All. The Zoo strives to create welcoming, inclusive experiences where every guest can explore, learn, and enjoy the connection to wildlife. From multilingual signage and sensory-friendly resources to accessible programming, the Zoo works to ensure that the diversity of Houston is reflected and supported throughout the guest experience.
By visiting the Zoo during Lunar New Year weekend, guests are helping to save many Asian species in the wild, like Asian elephants and orangutans. A portion of each Zoo admission and membership goes to the Zoo’s conservation partners, Seratu Aatai and Hutan Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project (KOCP). Seratu Aatai is protecting an estimated 250 wild elephants in Borneo and KOCP studies orangutans and provides training and education to staff and students. The Zoo also purchases trees for people in Borneo to replant to create forested paths for wildlife. By visiting and supporting Houston Zoo, guests are helping to replant more than 300,000 trees in Borneo to save Asian elephants and orangutans in the wild.
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The Houston Zoo connects communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife. Established in 1922, today the Zoo is a leading conservation and education nonprofit organization providing care to thousands of animals. All while remaining a cherished destination for fun, family, and inspiration for all of Houston’s diverse communities. The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. To stay informed about the Houston Zoo, visit www.houstonzoo.org.
