Building the Future

Jack’s Café, opening in Summer 2025, is a brand-new guest experience at the entrance of Houston Zoo. Since 2018, the Zoo has been transforming the 102-year-old cultural icon, and this is just the next step in the improvements. Located on the site of the former sea lion habitat, McGovern Mammal Marina, Jack’s Café will serve guests a variety of tasty treats and delicious delicacies, as well as provide seating for 165, and family restrooms and nursing facilities. Jack’s Café is named in honor of longtime Zoo patron, John P. McGovern, affectionally called “Jack” by all who loved him. Dr. McGovern and his wife, Kathrine G. McGovern, were transformational supporters of Houston Zoo for decades and their impact can be seen throughout the 55-acre campus.

On the second floor, nestled between the canopies of the heritage live oaks is a large event space that overlooks the new Galápagos Islands exhibit and the historic Reflection Pool. John P. and Kathrine G. McGovern Reflections Event Hall and Terrace is 4,286 square feet of special event space and next summer, partygoers will be able to reserve the private indoor-outdoor space for seated events for up to 150 people and cocktail-style events for up to 300 people.

To support the Zoo’s mission for animal conservation, the entire building’s exterior glazing will be equipped with bird-friendly glass to protect the local wildlife and habitat in Houston, and an 18,000-gallon rainwater harvesting system will collect rainwater from the building’s roof to irrigate the surrounding landscape. To keep waste of out landfills and protect wildlife habitat, Jack’s Café will compost food scraps from both back-of-house and guest dining areas. Jack’s Café will serve not only as a much-needed amenity near the Zoo entry but also as a building that speaks directly to the Zoo’s commitment to the environment and to inspiring actions to save wildlife. Targeting LEED Gold certification and 4 Star Green Restaurant Certification, the building seeks to conserve our natural resources and reduce the Zoo’s carbon footprint through efficient operations, rainwater collection, and the use of durable, low-carbon building materials. The structure will be made primarily of sustainably harvested timber, a material with a lower overall carbon footprint when compared to concrete or steel.

Starting Monday, August 5, the pathway between Carruth Natural Encounters, Reptile & Amphibian House, and the Reflection Pool will be closed for improvements. Don’t worry, your favorite animals are still accessible! To visit them, simply follow the detour signs through the Zoo.

Behind the construction fence, we’re restoring the historical colonnade to its original mid-century modern design! Built in 1951, this structure embodies the sleek, minimalist style of mid-century architecture with its clean lines and timeless elegance. Our dedicated crews will be removing the colorful tiles and metalwork added in the early 2000s, resurfacing the pillars, and ensuring the roof drains rainwater effectively.

Birds of the World is opening on August 30 and will include three aviaries, each with a specific habitat: African Savanna, North American Woodlands, and South American Wetlands.

The African Savanna aviary will highlight the majestic grey-crowned cranes and the conservation partnership with Dr. Olivier Nsengimana of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association.

The North American Woodlands exhibit will feature American songbirds like blue grosbeaks and indigo buntings to connect visitors to the beautiful birds in their own backyard. With our partners at US Fish & Wildlife, the Houston Zoo is helping save songbirds in the wild.

The South American Wetlands habitat will be an immersive aviary, giving guests the chance to come nose to beak with various South American birds including a perennial favorite, Chilean flamingos.

Additionally, a brand-new, state-of-the-art Avian Conservation Environment (ACE) building will provide updated offices for our keepers’ day-to-day activities, including behind-the-scenes breeding programs of critically endangered species like the blue-billed curassow and Saint Vincent parrot.