Up for a little adventure? The Houston Zoo’s Call of the Wild Speaker Series featuring Carter Smith, executive director of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, brings first-hand stories and photographs from Smith's experience with Texas wildlife. A native of Austin, Smith developed his passion for wildlife and the outdoors at a young age while roaming his family’s farm and ranch. Prior to his selection as TPWD Executive Director, Carter Smith was state director of the Nature Conservancy of Texas.