Adopt an Animal

Q: Do I get to take the animal home with me?

No. The Adopt program is a symbolic adoption and the animal will remain at Houston Zoo.

Q: Will anyone else adopt this animal?

Yes. It takes the support of more than one adoption to feed and care for an animal all year. All adoptions support the care and feeding of the animal residents at Houston Zoo.

Q: Can I have multiple recipient names on my Adoption certificate?

No. Each animal needs the care and support of multiple donations, therefore, only one name will be printed on the Adoption certificate.

Q: Can I name my Adopted animal?

All our zoo residents have names and we are more than happy to add it to your certificate upon request. Please email Adopt at adopt@houstonzoo.org

Q: May I Adopt onsite at the Zoo?

No. All adoptions must be completed online or over the phone. The package will be shipped to you or the gift recipient.

Q: How long does my adoption last?

Each adoption lasts for one year but our animal family would love to have your continued support. When your year is up, you may renew your adoption online, over the phone or by mail.

Q: Can you tell me more about the plush animal I will receive?

The plush animals are high-quality 12″ plush. They are great for gift giving! Yes, the plush animal will be the same animal as your Adopt.

Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Please contact us at adopt@houstonzoo.org or 713-533-6849.

Q: Is there a character limit on the Adopt certificates?

Yes, please limit the wording you would like displayed on the certificate to 24 characters; otherwise, we will leave the certificate blank for you or the recipient to fill in.

By symbolically adopting an animal, you not only help with the care and feeding of that animal but also support education and conservation programs at the Houston Zoo.

Start Your Adopt

• Start your Adopt by choosing your donation level below. To see all the animals available to adopt, click here.

• Questions? Please read our FAQ below or contact us at adopt@houstonzoo.org or 713-533-6849.

Advocate Level

• Adopt Certificate
• Fact Sheet
• 5×7 Animal Photo
• Adopt E-Newsletter
• (No Animal Plush)

Guardian Level

• Everything at the Advocate level
• PLUS an adorable animal plush!

Protector Level

• Everything at the Guardian level
• PLUS two Houston Zoo tickets

Classroom Level

• (25) Conservation Bracelets
• (25) Adopt Certificates
• Animal Plush
• Fact Sheet
• 5x7 Animal Photo
• Adopt E-Newsletter

Birthday Level

• Adopt Certificate
• Animal Plush
• Fact Sheet
• 5x7 Animal Photo
• Adopt E-Newsletter
• (4) Houston Zoo tickets
• 20 to 30 second “Happy Birthday" video message featuring the adopted animal and a zookeeper!
• Birthday Button