Natural Encounters
A journey through Natural Encounters is like an adventure through an entire continent: see animals from the river’s edge, rainforest canopy, desert, and coral reef, all under one air-conditioned roof. Tree branches stretch out over pathways, waterfalls cascade into pools, and animal meet you at every turn. Come nose to nose with some of the world’s most endangered animals as you experience animals up close through large glass viewing panes. You can even crawl right into a see-through tunnel to view piranhas inside their exhibit! As you leave the building, watch meerkats peek out of their burrows while their sentry watches for predators as medical center helicopters fly overhead (they look a little like hawks to meerkats).
Fischer Bird Gardens, Tropical Bird House, and Birds of the World
One of the largest collections in any US zoo, the zoo is home to over 250 species and 800 individual birds. There are three main bird exhibits: Fischer Bird Gardens, the Tropical Bird House, and Birds of the World. As you enter the Bird Gardens, you are greeted by the largest vulture in the New World: the king vulture. You can also see huge rhinoceros hornbills, unusual turacos, and gorgeous scarlet ibis. The Tropical Bird House is a lush retreat filled with the sounds of the rainforest. Play “I Spy” as you try to find all the species of birds flying around you! As you walk through Birds of the World, enjoy beautiful flamingoes, the strange yet amazing shoebill stork, and many more incredible species.
John P. McGovern Children's Zoo
Watch a river otter play underwater, explore a realistic bat cave, get up close and personal with the goats and sheep in the petting area, and watch an entertaining show in the butterfly pavilion. The Children’s Zoo takes you through forty exhibits showcasing the six ecosystems of Texas: the city, Gulf Coast, desert, forest, prairie, and farm. If the kids need to burn of a little energy, visit the playground so they can jump, slide, and climb. As you stroll through, don’t forget to stop by the Naturally Wild Swap Shop, where you can bring items that you find in nature and trade them for natural items in our collection.
