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Galapagos Exhibit -
Houston Zoo

Houston, Texas
  • Building
    Architect
    Studio Hansen Roberts
  • Landscape
    Architect
    Lake Flato
  • Project Completion
    May 2023

As a key element of the Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital campaign, the Houston Zoo’s six-year, multi-phase expansion introduced 2.5 acres of transformative exhibits, public spaces, and amenities, with its $70 million Galápagos Islands exhibit standing as the largest and most ambitious of them all. This first-of-its-kind exhibit in the U.S. brings the mystique and biodiversity of the Galápagos archipelago to life, immersing visitors in an environment carefully designed to evoke the islands' rugged landscapes and oceanic habitats.

Guests can explore lava tubes, a sea cave, and a viewing pond, as well as walk through a state-of-the-art underwater tunnel that provides an unparalleled look at the marine life. The exhibit’s 290,000-gallon aquarium and ocean gallery showcase an array of native species, including sharks, rays, giant sea turtles, giant tortoises, and blue iguanas. Additionally, a climate-controlled habitat was specifically designed to house a colony of 10–15 Humboldt penguins, safeguarding them from potential threats like mosquito-borne diseases.

With its cutting-edge design and immersive experiences, the Houston Zoo’s Galápagos Islands exhibit sets a new benchmark for zoo-based conservation education, transporting visitors to one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems without ever leaving Houston.

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