The Houston Zoo has opened a new exhibit dedicated to the Galápagos Islands, which includes a range of animals from the region. The exhibit features an air-conditioned indoor area, making it a perfect spot for visitors to stay cool during the summer months, with highlights including California sea lions, Humboldt penguins, Galápagos tortoises, Grand Cayman blue iguanas and an aquarium featuring a wide variety of fish. Visitors can use a new interactive map to plan their visit and see a directory listing of Zoo areas.
The Galápagos Islands is a unique place in the world popularly known as the home of Charles Darwin’s studies that led to the theory of evolution. One of the best ways to learn about what makes Galápagos such a valuable habitat for wildlife is to visit an exhibit showcasing its beauty through animal habitats.
Here are the top five animal habitats to see in the Galápagos Islands exhibit.
1. Marine life
The marine life in Galápagos waters is just as diverse as its land creatures. From sea lions to turtles, there are plenty of fascinating species to look out for in the exhibit. Visitors can watch as sea lions playfully swim and frolic around the coastlines, while observing the elegant movements of several different species of sea turtles. The exhibit also showcases the diversity of fish species that call these waters home, displaying a range of colors and shapes.
2. Coastal areas
The shoreline in Galápagos is a vital habitat for many animals. The exhibit will take visitors through different coastal zones, showcasing sea birds such as the Great Blue Heron that fish the shoreline. Visitors will also see the Marine and Land iguanas, which are endemic to the Galápagos islands, and which muddle with the sea lions on the rocky shores.
3. Highlands
The highlands of Santa Cruz Island are a unique ecosystem as they are one the few places where Scalesia trees grow. These are tall trees that provide shelter for many different species of birds, including the iconic Darwin’s finches. The highlands are also home to giant tortoises, which weigh up to 600 pounds and are one of the most celebrated wildlife inhabitants of Galápagos.
4. Grasslands & Scrublands
The grasslands and scrublands in the islands are the habitats of many reptile species. The land iguanas also dwell in these areas, and when the seasons permit, they eat the prickly pear cactus which is a common plant. The Galápagos Land Iguanas prefer to shelter in the dens or burrows that they dig in the ground, where they take refuge from the blazing sun.
5. Tropical Forests
The rainforests of the Galápagos Islands are home to much of the endemic species that live there. Among the most interesting animals to spot in these forests are the Galápagos Hawk that is found almost everywhere in the islands. They are iconic predators of blue-footed boobies and are known for nesting high in the trees. These forests also provide habitat for many interesting tree-dwelling animals, such as the Darwin’s Finch which is known for its beaks through which they adapt to the food sources in their respective microspecies’ habitats.
In conclusion, the Galápagos Islands truly are a fascinating place for animal habitat, with so many endemic species to discover. This exhibit provides a glimpse into a world that for many, is beyond their reach. A visit to this exhibit is sure to inspire visitors to take a deeper look into the natural world and consider ways they can help protect the diverse habitats on earth.
