The Houston Zoo is debuting its “Galápagos Islands” exhibit to the public on Friday.
The exhibit will showcase “the delicate balance of ecosystems” that exists in the Galápagos, according to the zoo’s website.
The addition cost a total of $70 million and spans 2.5 acres. While the public has not yet been able to see it, staff members at the zoo have been enjoying the exhibit before the crowds arrive.
Guests are sure to see sea lions, iguanas, crabs, seahorses, the famed Galápagos Islands giant tortoises, and more. While only two sea lions currently inhabit the exhibit, there will soon be nine in total.
If you come to visit the animal life, they may appear elusive or stationary.
According to a Houston Chronicle interview with Kevin Hodge, vice president of animal operations at the zoo, one way to get the turtles’ attention is to wear red shoes — thinking they see an apple will put a little pep in their generally unhurried step.
Aside from staff, the zoo also allowed its big donors to get a sneak peek at the Galápagos Islands exhibit during an exclusive cocktail party in the “Submerged Worlds” sea caves.
Many of the animals in the sea cave are new and need to be exposed to some crowds so that when the larger crowds come on opening day, they will be more prepared to face them.
No predators are yet in this part of the exhibit, as the staff is letting the prey get to know where the hiding spots are in the habitat. They plan to add bonnethead and black-tip reef sharks to the tank soon.
The Humboldt penguins also now have a “state-of-the-art habitat” as part of the new exhibit, according to Houston Zoo. The penguins are very energetic and most likely will not hide from visitors.
While the exhibit opens to the public on April 7, members can preview “Galápagos Islands” on April 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The exhibit will be included with general admission, and tickets can be reserved here.
The zoo also has a web series dedicated to helping visitors learn more about the exhibit and the Galápagos Islands. You can find the series here.
