88R19824 BHH-D

By: A. Johnson of Harris H.R. No. 669

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Houston Zoo is celebrating the opening of its new Galápagos Islands exhibit with a preview event on April 3, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Since announcing its Keeping Our World Wild Centennial Capital Campaign celebrating the facility's 100th anniversary, the Houston Zoo has created a series of new exhibits that includes the Hamill Foundation Black Bear Exhibit, a renovated orangutan exhibit, the Kathrine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands, and South America's Pantanal; and

WHEREAS, The largest initiative in the campaign, the Galápagos Islands exhibit is the first of its kind to showcase the unique wildlife of the famed island chain, such as giant tortoises and sharks, as well as Humboldt penguins and California sea lions, who represent their strictly protected Galápagos relatives; and

WHEREAS, In addition to its impressive new habitats, the exhibit also offers educational programming that emphasizes the delicate balance of ecosystems and the pressing need for conservation; the zoo has long demonstrated a commitment to conservation efforts, and it supports Galápagos research and conservation awareness programs focused on giant tortoise ecology, wildlife protection, and ocean plastic waste removal and mitigation; moreover, zoo veterinarian Dr. Joe Flanagan has conducted conservation research regarding giant tortoises, sea turtles, and land iguanas in the Galápagos for many years; and

WHEREAS, For more than a century, the Houston Zoo has been delighting and informing visitors about the wonders of the animal kingdom, and this exciting new exhibit is sure to serve as an invaluable asset to the city for years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the grand opening of the Houston Zoo's Galápagos Islands exhibit and recognize all those involved in bringing this project to fruition for their outstanding work; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Houston Zoo as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.