the zoo is back

Houston Zoo announces highly anticipated reopening date and guidelines

Houstonians can visit Nelson, the zoo's newest baby elephant, soon.

Photo by Stephanie Adams

The Houston Zoo recently made headlines with the announcement of Nelson, the strapping baby calf who was just born to mother, Shanti. Now, fans can visit Nelson in-person, as the beloved wildlife hub has just revealed a reopening date.

The zoo will reopen to the general public on June 3, after member opening preview days on June 1 and June 2, according to an announcement on Tuesday, May 26. Since closing on March 14, the zoo has coordinated with state and local officials and based on their guidance and public health directives, according to a statement. This coincides with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s reopening plan, which allows state zoos to reopen by May 29.

Online tickets are now required for all guests; those without an online reservation will not be admitted. Tickets will be offered in three “dayparts”: 9 am to 11 am, noon to 2 pm, and 3 to 5 pm. According to the zoo, this approach will limit the number of guests in the zoo at one time and provide for increased social distancing.

The zoo will manage traffic flow with a one-way path and limit the number of guests. On the one-way path, guests can view fan favorites like whooping cranes, alligators, giraffes, rhinoceros, chimpanzees, elephants (including Nelson), meerkats, and more.

Whooping crane, gorilla, and cougar exhibits will have additional barriers to give extra protective space between the animals and guests. More information can be viewed on the zoo’s downloadable map.

All tickets will allow free access to TXU Energy presents Dragons, a unique, limited-time special exhibit.

New operating protocols have been established and include timed ticketing for all entries, a one-way path, limited food-service options, and focused disinfecting of high-touch areas. Other health and safety initiatives include online ticket sales, touchless transactions, requiring staff to wear masks, and enhanced cleaning methods. Several interactive experiences, including giraffe feedings and the Wildlife Carousel, will remain temporarily closed.

Zoo employees will be required to wear masks; guests are “highly encouraged” to use face-coverings or masks, per the zoo’s statement.

openings pets

a new record

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo commits over $30 million to education

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo cattle exhibition

Courtesy of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The money supports studies in fields such as animal husbandry.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo continues its annual tradition of breaking its own record when it comes to educational endowments. On Giving Tuesday, the organization pledged to disburse $30,353,380 in 2026 in the form of scholarships, grants, and other funding.

“This milestone moment of reaching $30 million in a single year highlights the Rodeo’s unwavering dedication to Texas youth and education,” HLSR president and CEO Chris Boleman said in a statement. “Thanks to our loyal donors, sponsors, more than 36,000 volunteers and dedicated attendees, 2026 will reach historic heights in supporting the next generation of leaders, agricultural professionals and organizations that share the Rodeo’s mission.”

This brings the total of education funding provided by the Rodeo since 1932 up to $660 million. Last year's $28 million commitment also set a new record.

One innovation this year is the establishment of the Area Go Texan Vocational Scholarship, a program that expands on the relationship with 68 Texas counties through the Area Go Texan affiliate program. One student from each county will receive $6,000 toward a degree or certificate in a vocational field at a Texas nonprofit college or university. Another $500,000 in vocational scholarships will awarded to 10 schools in 2026. Guidelines for applying can be found at this link.

In total, the Rodeo will hand out $15,126,000 in scholarships, $11,273,500 to junior exhibitors, $3,430,880 in grants, and $523,000 in graduate assistantships. Grants will be awarded to 82 Texas institutions and organizations, such as Arts for Rural Texas, BridgeYear, The Bryan Museum, Diversity in the Arts and Entertainment, Greater Houston Partnership Foundation, Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA), Space Center Houston, Texas State University Development Foundation, and University of St. Thomas at Houston.

Money for the annual endowment is raised through the annual auctions, sales of livestock and art, and through charitable donations. The goal of the endowment program is to promote study and research in agriculture, animal husbandry, and other fields that directly benefit the Rodeo.

The Rodeo is scheduled to run from March 2 – 22, 2026. More information on performers, attractions, and vendors can be found at RodeoHouston.com. Scholarship applications are open through February 2, with funds being awarded in summer 2026.

rodeohouston houston livestock show and rodeo