Houston Zoo Begins Multi-Year Africa Habitat Upgrades
New Features for Rhinos and Giraffes and a Refreshed Shani Market Elevate Care and Guest Engagement
The Houston Zoo is kicking off 2026 with a series of habitat upgrades and concessions improvements designed to enhance animal well-being and elevate the guest experience. The improvements include a significant renovation of the Zoo’s white rhinoceros habitat, new features for the Masai giraffe herd, and additional enhancements to Shani Market. Together, these upgrades reflect the Zoo’s ongoing commitment to providing the highest standard of care for animals while creating meaningful connections for guests. Construction on several key projects began Jan. 7, 2026, with phased openings expected through 2026 and early 2027.
During construction, the Zoo will prioritize minimizing guest impacts and ensuring exceptional care for its wildlife. These projects underscore Houston Zoo’s mission to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.
White Rhinoceros Habitat (Jan. 12 – Early 2027)
The rhinoceros habitat will undergo a comprehensive renovation to support expanded species care and long-term habitat health. Modifications will welcome zebras and an additional rhino to the expanded space. More shade for animals and guests, including a covered viewing shelter, will allow visitors to get even closer to the white rhinoceros and zebras. New animal care features will include heaters, fans and feeders, and a new water feature will support animal health while encouraging natural behaviors of the African species.
Design and construction team: Lead designer and landscape architect: SH|R Studios, Architects: Lake Flato, General contractor: O’Donnell/Snider Construction, LLC, Civil and structural engineering: Walter P Moore, Mechanical, electrical, plumbing engineering: Collaborative Engineering Group, AV/IT consultant: 4b Technology Group, Surveyor: Kuo and Associates.
McGovern Giraffe Habitat (Jan. 7 – Spring 2026)
To improve comfort for the Zoo’s five giraffes—Zawadi, Asali, Gigi, Kamili, and Tino—and enhance guest interactions, a new shade canopy will be added to reduce heat exposure. Additional upgrades include habitat adjustments to enhance guests experience, along with new animal-wellbeing features, including more drinkers, fans, and feeders. This project is funded by a generous gift from the Jo Collier Hart Estate.
Design and construction team: Architects: Lake Flato, Landscape Architect: SH|R Studios, General contractor: O’Donnell/Snider Construction, LLC, Civil and structural engineering: Walter P Moore, Mechanical, electrical, plumbing engineering: Collaborative Engineering Group, AV/IT consultant: 4b Technology Group, Surveyor: Kuo and Associates.
Shani Market (Jan. 2026 – Summer 2026)
Located between the giraffe and rhino habitats, Shani Market is being transformed into a grab-and-go concept store. The refreshed space will offer self-checkout stations for both retail and food & beverage, including guest favorites like ICEE. Guests will also be able to purchase products from the Zoo’s conservation partners. Each item will directly support wildlife and community conservation efforts in Kenya, bringing meaningful impact to every visit.
Design and construction team: Architects: Lake Flato, General contractor: O’Donnell/Snider Construction, LLC, Civil and structural engineering: Walter P Moore, Mechanical, electrical, plumbing engineering: Collaborative Engineering Group, AV/IT consultant: 4b Technology Group, Surveyor: Kuo and Associates, Consulting: SSA Group.
Every visit to the Zoo helps save rhinos and giraffes in the wild. A portion of each membership and ticket supports the Zoo’s new conservation partner, the International Rhino Foundation (IRF). IRF is an organization that has spent more than 30 years on the front lines protecting rhinos across Africa and Asia. Around the world, only about 26,700 rhinos remain. By partnering with the International Rhino Foundation, Houston Zoo is helping ensure that these extraordinary animals have a future. The Zoo is also committed to protecting wild giraffes in Africa by providing mentorship, training, and support for Kenyan-run conservation partners at the Somali Giraffe Project. The Zoo’s partners work closely with indigenous communities in eastern Kenya and Somalia regions to monitor the reticulated giraffe population, reduce human-giraffe conflict, and promote conservation practices that ensure a sustainable future for wildlife.
