Early Birds at the Houston Zoo Will Get the Best Wildlife Photography Shots

By Brian Hill

Houston, TX - Normally the early bird gets the worm. Not a bad deal – if you like worms. But during Early Bird Day at the Houston Zoo at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, our early rising guests will get a continental breakfast (we’re saving the worms for the birds) and an insider’s view of the Zoo’s feathered friends.

Join Houston Zoo Bird Curator Hannah Bailey and her “Bird Team” for a guided tour of the Zoo’s renowned bird exhibits featuring 800 birds, from South American Guira cuckoos to St. Vincent parrots and the Zoo’s newest arrivals – shoebill storks and New Guinea’s own cassowary, one of the most dangerous birds on the planet.

The Early Bird Day tour at the Houston Zoo will take guests through the outdoor exhibits of Duck Lake, Fischer Bird Gardens and Birds of the World. Time permitting, Hannah and her Bird Team will take guests through off-exhibit areas rarely open to Zoo guests for a peek at some of the world’s most endangered species.

The Early Bird Day tour winds up at the Tropical Bird House with breakfast for guests and our birds (This is where the worms come in – for the birds. It’s continental breakfast fare for our guests.) Guests will have a unique opportunity to see some of our fine feathered friends up close and personal while keepers do hand feedings in the Tropical Bird House rainforest aviary. Guests are encouraged to bring their cameras and engage our top-notch bird experts in an informative Q & A.

Order Early Bird Day tickets on-line at http://www.houstonzoo.org/earlybirdday/ . Tickets are $25 for members (adult), $30 for non-members (adult), $15 for children, students and seniors (members) and $20 for non-member children, students, and seniors. A continental breakfast (No worms. Really. We promise.) and all-day access to the Zoo is included.

Recognized by Parents magazine as one of the Ten Best Zoos for Kids, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving 1.7 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 4,500 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Golf Course Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $6 for seniors, $6 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $8 and a child Zoo admission for $5. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org .

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot. With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor. For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org .

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org .

To view Houston Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-727-Houston_Zoo