The Houston Zoo’s Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign is a major fundraising effort launched in 2017 to transform nearly 50% of the zoo’s campus with new exhibits. This campaign aims to enhance the zoo’s ability to provide a better experience for visitors while supporting conservation efforts.
Goal of the Campaign
The primary goal of the Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign is to raise $150 million to fund the transformation of the zoo’s campus with new exhibits and facilities. This ambitious campaign has been designed to ensure the Houston Zoo can continue to inspire visitors and support critical conservation work for years to come.
Donor Recognition and Benefits
Donors who support the Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign receive various recognition and benefits, including:
| Recognition/Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Report Inclusion | Name included in the Houston Zoo’s digital 2022 Annual Report |
| Commemorative Book | A copy of the Centennial Commemorative Book |
| Parking Raffle | Name entered into a raffle for one year of reserved parking |
| Centennial Art Installation | Donor recognition on a temporary Centennial Art installation |
| Special Events | Invitation to events like the Galápagos Islands Donor Day and an adults-only evening reception and preview of the exhibit |
| Commemorative Photo | Opportunity for a commemorative photograph at the Donor Day event |
| Donor Wall | Name included on the Centennial Campaign donor wall at the zoo’s entrance |
Fundraising Progress
The Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign has been a resounding success, exceeding its targeted goal of $150 million. As of the latest update, the campaign has secured a total of $151,693,153.32 from 707 donors. This remarkable achievement has enabled the Houston Zoo to complete several new exhibits and will support future projects.
Completed Projects
The Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign has already funded the completion of several exciting new exhibits and facilities at the Houston Zoo, including:
- Galápagos Islands exhibit (opened April 2023)
- Renovated Main Entrance (opened January 2021)
- McGovern Plaza (opened January 2021)
- South America’s Pantanal (opened October 2020)
- Orangutan Exhibit Renovation (opened November 2020)
- Zoo Store (opened June 2020)
- Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands (opened May 2019)
- Cypress Circle Cafe (opened November 2018)
- Hamill Foundation Bear Exhibit (opened September 2018)
These new additions have transformed the zoo’s campus, providing visitors with an even more immersive and engaging experience while also supporting the zoo’s conservation efforts.
Contact Information
For any questions or inquiries about the Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign, donors can reach out to the Houston Zoo at [email protected] or by calling 713.533.6819.