The 2.5-acre addition, which is part of Houston Zoo’s centennial master plan, was initially scheduled to open this year.
Due to supply chain issues and world-wide shortage of essential construction materials including acrylic viewing panels, “Galápagos Islands” is now expected to debut in early 2023.
“We’re disappointed that the project has been delayed, but we know we’re not alone in experiencing supply chain problems,” said Lee Ehmke, Houston Zoo President and CEO, via statement.
“Our commitment to conservation in the Galápagos Islands, our animal residents, and our guests here in Houston remain unwavering.
A short delay in our exhibit opening will not deter us from our mission of connecting communities to animals, inspiring action to save wildlife.”
Immersion and conservation are top of mind for architects and engineers designing “Galápagos Islands,” crown jewel of the zoo’s “Keeping Our World Wild” in celebration of its 100-year anniversary.
The six-year, multi-phase project features a series of transformative exhibits, public amenity upgrades and enhanced public spaces.
Upon completion, “Galápagos Islands” becomes the first showcase of its kind to capture the archipelagos’ distinct landscapes, oceanic habitats and species.
More than 97-percent of reptiles and land mammals living on the Islands — which straddle the equator some 500 miles of the coast of Ecuador — are endemic, meaning they’re found nowhere else on Earth.
Also in the works is a split-level, wave-sculpted sea cave to house Sally Lightfoot crabs.
Nearby, an underwater, 40-ft. long acrylic tunnel leads to One Ocean Gallery where sea turtles, sharks, rays and fish will take shelter inside a 190,000-gallon aquarium.
Giant tortoises and two Caribbean Blue Iguanas will be next-door neighbors; a viewing pond connects their future homes.
