Overview of the Houston Zoo Gorilla Exhibit
The Houston Zoo is home to a remarkable western lowland gorilla exhibit, known as the “Gorillas of the African Forest.” This expansive habitat is the largest gorilla exhibit in North America, providing a naturalistic environment for the seven western lowland gorillas that reside there. Visitors can witness these magnificent creatures up close, learning about their behavior, conservation, and the zoo’s efforts to protect this endangered species.
Habitat and Camera
The gorilla habitat at the Houston Zoo is truly impressive, with both outdoor and indoor areas. The outdoor habitat is shared with a small family of red river hogs, creating a dynamic and engaging environment for visitors. The zoo offers a live webcam feed of the habitat, which is available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST. This allows visitors to observe the gorillas’ daily activities and interactions, even when they can’t physically visit the zoo.
Origin of the Houston Zoo Gorillas
The western lowland gorillas at the Houston Zoo are not native to Africa, but rather were born and raised in other American zoos. They are part of two distinct troops, and their habitat is designed to closely mimic their natural environment in the wild.
Interacting with the Houston Zoo Gorillas
While visitors cannot directly interact with the gorillas, the Houston Zoo offers a variety of educational programs and activities to help visitors learn about these magnificent creatures. From guided tours to interactive exhibits, the zoo provides numerous opportunities for visitors to engage with the gorillas and gain a deeper understanding of their behavior, biology, and conservation.
Conservation Efforts at the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is deeply committed to gorilla conservation efforts. They participate in cell phone recycling, which helps reduce the need to mine for materials in gorilla habitats. The zoo also provides veterinary and education training, equipment, and support for African gorilla conservation partners. Additionally, they support conservation efforts in Rwanda, including planting native plants, educating students, and providing resources to local communities.
Visiting the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030. The zoo is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. Admission prices vary by age and residency, so be sure to check the zoo’s website for current rates. You can reach the zoo by phone at 713-533-6500.
References
- The Houston Zoo. (n.d.). Gorilla Habitat Cam. Retrieved from https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/webcams/gorilla-habitat-cam/
- The Houston Zoo. (n.d.). Gorillas. Retrieved from https://www.houstonzoo.org/blog/category/all-animals/gorillas/
- YouTube. (2023). Houston Zoo’s gorilla family: An inside look. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqGvvcX2vJE
- Walter P Moore. (n.d.). Houston Zoo Gorillas of the African Forest. Retrieved from https://www.walterpmoore.com/projects/houston-zoo-gorillas-african-forest
- The Houston Zoo. (n.d.). Gorilla. Retrieved from https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/animals/western-lowland-gorilla/.