Oldest Houston Zoo Animal is a Dad
Mr. Pickles, the oldest animal at Houston Zoo, became a father to three radiated tortoise hatchlings at the age of 90. Mr. Pickles is the most genetically valuable radiated tortoise in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan. The three new hatchlings are named Dill, Gherkin, and Jalapeno and will remain behind the scenes in the Reptile & Amphibian House until they are big enough to join their parents. Radiated tortoises are critically endangered due to over-collection for the illegal pet trade, and by visiting the zoo, guests are helping save these animals in the wild.
The new hatchlings came as a surprise when a herpetology keeper found Mrs. Pickles laying her eggs at closing time. The team quickly uncovered the eggs and moved them to the safety of the Reptile & Amphibian House as the soil in Houston isn’t suitable for the Madagascar native tortoises, and it’s unlikely the eggs would have hatched on their own. A portion of each zoo membership and admission goes toward helping the zoo’s partners in Madagascar replant wildlife habitat to save animals in the wild.
Oh Sweet Baby Pickles: A Unique Attraction at the Houston Zoo
For those who love pickles, there’s a unique attraction at the Houston Zoo that you won’t want to miss. Located in the Kipp Aquarium, visitors can marvel at the adorable and fascinating pickle-shaped creatures known as sea pickles or pyrosomes.
Sea pickles may look like a single animal, but they’re actually a colony of hundreds or thousands of tiny creatures called zooids. These creatures work together to form a larger organism that can grow up to two meters long. As they drift through the ocean, they light up with a mesmerizing bioluminescence that’s sure to captivate zoo visitors.
These fascinating creatures are a sight to behold, with bright pink or orange hues and a translucent, jelly-like texture. Their name, “sea pickle,” comes from their pickle-like shape, although they’re not related to the pickles we know and love from the grocery store.
The Houston Zoo’s Oh Sweet Baby Pickles exhibit is a unique opportunity to see these incredible creatures up close. Visitors can learn about the biology and behavior of sea pickles as well as the importance of conserving and protecting our oceans.
But the sea pickles are just one of many exhibits at the Houston Zoo that highlight the incredible diversity of life on our planet. From the majestic lions and tigers to the playful otters and meerkats, there’s something to delight visitors of all ages.
In addition to the animals, the Houston Zoo also offers a variety of educational opportunities for visitors. There are daily animal encounters, where visitors can meet some of the zoo’s residents up close and learn about their unique adaptations and behaviors. The zoo also hosts a variety of camps, classes, and workshops for children and adults, providing a fun and engaging way to learn about wildlife and conservation.
The Houston Zoo is committed to conservation efforts both locally and globally. They work with wildlife conservation organizations around the world to preserve endangered species and their habitats. In addition, the zoo has a variety of green initiatives, such as using environmentally friendly cleaning products and reducing plastic waste.
Visitors to the Houston Zoo can feel good knowing that their admission fees and purchases go towards supporting these important conservation efforts. In addition, the zoo offers a variety of ways for individuals to get involved, such as volunteering, donating, and becoming a member.
Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just a lover of all things nature, the Houston Zoo’s Oh Sweet Baby Pickles exhibit is a must-see. Visitors can spend hours exploring the various habitats and learning about the incredible diversity of life on our planet, all while supporting important conservation efforts.
