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

to the batcave

Houston park takes flight with bat viewings, chats, and movie night

Photo by Ann Froschauer/USFWS/Flickr [https://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq/8006844645/]

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The Buffalo Bayou Partnership announced bat-themed summer programming for the 160-acre park near downtown. Houstonians with an interest in the flying mammals will have plenty of ways to appreciate them.

Every Friday evening at sunset through the end of August, Buffalo Bayou Partnership will host two events centered around Houston's most famous bat colony, the 300,000 Mexican free-tailed bats that nest under the Waugh Street Bridge. Visitors get to watch the massive swarm emerge as the sun goes down and the bats hunt insects in the area.

On land, the free Bat Chat event is hosted by the Houston Area Bat Team, including Dr. Cullen Geiselman Muse. She studies the local bat populations and advocates for them based on their helpfulness to Houston.

"Here in Houston, there are insect-eating bats that can consume nearly their body weight in crop pests each night," she said in a statement. "The effects of the bats’ nightly forays add up across space and time. They impact processes ranging from how rainforest regenerate after they are clearcut to how much insecticides farmers use on crops."

People who want a view from the water may take one of the Bat Cruises. These 90-minute trips up and down the bayou cost $30, but do offer one of the most incredible ways to see the emergence. Plus, visitors get to see the area around Buffalo Bayou light up at night. The cruise launches from 1019 Commerce Street, and reservations are required in advance.

Batman Returns

No, one of Houston's most famous urban legends hasn't reemerged. However, BBP is hosting the next best thing: a free screening of the 1992 superhero classic film Batman Returns. Directed by Tim Burton, this Christmas-themed adventure follows Batman (Michael Keaton) as he battles Catwoman (Michelle Pfeiffer) and the Penguin (Danny Devito) as the latter tries to become mayor of Gotham. Houston is deeply tied to Batman Returns as Six Flags AstroWorld once housed the official tie-in rollercoaster, which included a replica of the Batcave, Penguin's duckmobile, and other memorabilia.

The outdoor screening takes place on Saturday, July 25 at The Water Works in Buffalo Bayou Park (105B Sabine Street). Attendees are encouraged to dress up in costumes from the Batman mythos, and the Houston Area Bat Team will give a talk before the movie begins. It starts at 6 pm, and prior registration is required.

Finally, the The Buffalo Bayou Boutique at The Water Works has added bat plushies, stickers, and bandanas (batdanas) to their store. A full list is available on the boutique website.