Can you believe that the Houston Zoo has been around since 1922? Let’s take a trip through the history of one of Houston’s most iconic attractions.
It all Started with a Bison
His name was Earl. In 1922, the city built a fence in Hermann Park to house Earl the bison and other animals, opening to the public later that year. Fast forward 101 years and that small fence has grown into a 55-acre zoo.
The organization acquired its very first in elephant in 1924 — her name was Ellie. You’ll notice zoologists are quite fond of alliteration.
The cougar was named the official mascot of the University of Houston in 1946. In 1947, the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity raised money to bring a live cougar to the Houston Zoo. The name “Shasta” was chosen for the cougar after a contest, a name that lives on through each generation of cougars at the zoo.
The organization became a nonprofit in 2002, signing a 50-year lease and operating agreement from the City of Houston.
A pair of sea lions make an appearance at the Galapagos Islands exhibit in 2023. (Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle via Getty)
See Them. Save Them.
The words you see at the entrance of the Houston Zoo are more than a catchy slogan. The nonprofit currently supports 33 wildlife conservation projects across 17 countries, including the hometown favorite Houston toad.
Want to read more about the zoo’s history? Visit the Houston Zoo centennial page. It’s full of interesting facts and heartwarming stories from staff and visitors.
