Photo by Sue Chin
Galápagos Islands
HOUSTON ZOO | HOUSTON, TEXAS | USA
A Rare Glimpse into the Galápagos
In an isolated archipelago off the coast of Ecuador there is a rich, delicately balanced ecosystem teeming with species that exist virtually nowhere else on Earth – including zoos: the Galápagos Islands. The Houston Zoo has brought the stories of these incredible, endemic plant and animal species to life by creating an immersive, first-of-its kind Galápagos Islands experience. Close animal cousins of their endangered Galápagos counterparts help to showcase the coastal habitats of this dramatic environment. Guests can enjoy the exhibit knowing that their visit has helped the Houston Zoo to support conservation efforts in this rare and wondrous archipelago.
Project Features at a Glance
A volcanic meadow is home to giant Galápagos tortoises and features mud wallows, a pool and a sandy, shaded viewing cave
The “Sea Lion Coast” is home to California sea lions (ambassadors for their Galápagos cousins), and brightly colored Sally Lightfoot crabs; it features lava cliffs, deep plunge areas, volcanic shorelines and sea lion haul-outs, a shaded amphitheater, multiple viewing areas, a 40-foot-long underwater tunnel and a sea cave
A mysterious aquarium wall is home to sea nettle jelly fish
The 290,000-gallon “One Ocean” aquarium is home to green sea turtles, cownose stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, and bonnethead sharks; it features other colorful fish and the unique coral reef structures of the Galápagos
A lava tunnel wall aquarium is home to giant sea horses, sea stars and sea cucumbers
Volcanic beaches are home to Humboldt penguins and feature an indoor, climate-controlled environment, sculptures, and split-level viewing
More than 700 linear feet of guest paths are interspersed with animal sculptures and feature air-conditioned spaces for most of their length
The sea lion underwater tunnel and sea cave transform to provide venues for evening events in air-conditioned spaces
Conservation displays feature success stories and information on current programs the Houston Zoo supports in the Galápagos
SH|R'S ROLE
Exhibit Design: Project prime; conceptual design, full services design, construction administration, art direction
COLLABORATION WITH
HOUSTON ZOO: Client
Architectural Design: Lake | Flato Architects
AV/IT Design: 4B Technology
Civil Engineering: Walter P. Moore
Life Support System Engineering: TJP Engineering
Lighting Design: Flux Studio, Ltd.
MEP Engineering: Collaborative Engineering Group
Structural Engineering: Walter P. Moore
Surveying: Kuo & Associates
More about the Project
Web Page Under Construction