An endangered sea turtle has been released into the Gulf of Mexico after being found off the coast of the Netherlands, 5,000 miles from its home.

Imagine being lost in a faraway place, thousands of miles from home, and somehow finding your way back. That’s exactly what happened to Boeier, a Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.

Akobi, a four-year-old pygmy hippo, has arrived at the Houston Zoo from the San Francisco Zoo as part of a global conservation effort under the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan Program.

Have you ever heard of an ocelot? Much like their size, their remaining population is small. Houston Life co-hosts Derrick Shore and Tessa Barrera chatted with Peter Gros, wildlife expert and co-host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild about the efforts to save their habitat and how the Houston Zoo is playing a critical role.

It's that time of year again! The Houston Zoo's beloved Zoo Boo is back, with new, slightly spooky attractions and fun for the whole family.

Watch the extended version of the show to see even more of the adventure and the work being done to save animals like gorillas, grey crowned cranes, and zebras.

More than a billion birds fly over Houston’s night skies during migration season, and there are simple things Houstonians can do to keep them safe during their journey.

We proudly present: Saving Wildlife: Return to Rwanda, a captivating one-hour special that highlights the remarkable efforts of the Houston Zoo to protect endangered animals in their natural habitats.

The Houston Zoo is for the birds! Flock with us as we check out the Zoo's newest exhibit "Birds of the World"

Ever wonder how keepers down at the Houston Zoo keep animals safe during major weather events? #HoustonZoo #HurricaneBeryl

The Houston Zoo is experiencing high waters after Hurricane Beryl moved through the area, dumping tons of rain inside some of their animal exhibits.

Watching the Galapagos Tortoises cool down with showers may be the cutest thing you’ve ever seen!

KPRC 2 met Dr. Olivier Nsengimana in Rwanda while there learning about conservation programs the Houston Zoo supports. He’s currently the founder and executive director of the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Association (RWCA), a group that got its start saving grey crowned cranes.

Houston offers a variety of events for residents to witness the solar eclipse, despite not being in the path of totality.

KPRC 2 Photojournalist Patrick Hardesty and Reporter Corley Peel were driving down Cullen Blvd. on their way to their assignment when they spotted a dead horse.

The total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, will be a historical and rare event. Humans are generally excited to see this natural phenomenon, but it’s also important to consider how animals will be impacted by the unprecedented event. That’s what the Houston Zoo is hoping to do.

Houston offers a variety of events for residents to witness the solar eclipse, despite not being in the path of totality.

The KPRC 2 team, along with our friends at Houston Camera Exchange, will be out at different spots all week handing out solar eclipse glasses.

The Houston Life crew is at the Houston Zoo learning about the zoo's conservation efforts while having fun.

The Houston Zoo's Veterinary Team invites Houston Life behind the scenes to observe while a sedated Monocled Cobra receives an exam. We also learn how the Houston Zoo's efforts impact wildlife around the globe.

See images of animals spotted during our tour of part of one of Africa's oldest national parks - Akagera.

Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024, our KPRC 2 team in Rwanda explored the Rugezi Marsh in Rwanda and learned about many initiatives the Houston Zoo supports through the Rwanda Wildlife Conservation Fund.

Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, our KPRC 2 team in Rwanda went on a trek with the Gorilla Doctors and visited a school benefiting from Conservation Heritage-Turambe

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, our KPRC 2 team in Rwanda visited the Gorilla Doctors Headquarters and Conservation Heritage-Turambe

Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, our KPRC 2 team in Rwanda visited the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Headquarters located less than 30 minutes away from the town of Musanze.

The very first program we produced with the Houston Zoo was “Saving Gorillas: From Houston to Rwanda.” Now, nine years later, we’re headed back to see the progress of work being done to save gorillas, birds, and so many incredible species native to the small African country.

The very first program we produced with the Houston Zoo was “Saving Gorillas: From Houston to Rwanda.” Now, nine years later, we’re headed back to see the progress of work being done to save gorillas, birds, and so many incredible species native to the small African country.

The Houston area is currently experiencing freezing temperatures, which is prompting several closures across the city on Monday and into Tuesday.

from TXU Energy's Zoo Lights to gifts painted by sea lions -- get in the holiday spirit at the Houston Zoo

Now through Jan. 7th, guests will take in the sights and sounds of the season as they stroll through the transformed winter wonderland at the Houston Zoo.

The holiday season is here and KPRC 2 is showing you all the cool things you can do with your family to celebrate. From the city to the suburbs, we cover the biggest seasonal attractions in KPRC 2's "Holiday Lights Spectacular" Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

The zoo took to social media to introduce its new batch of capybara pups. The zoo said they are named after potatoes.

Tally the turtle arrived in Houston,Texas, and officials determined on Thursday that she is healthy after she travelled more than 4,000 miles from the United Kingdom to make it back home, according to the Houston Zoo.

Six Cuban nationals, who resided in Houston, have been indicted by a federal grand jury with illegal trafficking of migratory songbirds, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced.

Jackie Wallace and Owen Conflenti talk about all the fun things happening at the Houston Zoo between now and December.

The popular event takes place Friday, Sept. 15th from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and tickets jut went on sale today!

Animals at Houston Zoo in Texas have been beating the heat with icy treats and frequent swims.

The Houston Zoo has a new resident and boy is he cute.

The male calf, who was born April 20 to mother Sukari and father Kwame, was named for Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner. The name Sylvester means “forest dweller.”

Peter Riger was the Houston Zoo’s Vice President of Conservation and Education, managing an international network of projects and partnerships. KPRC 2 was fortunate to get to know him over the last several years through our documentary work with the zoo.

Listen to the sound on the video at the top of this article and you could think that someone in Fort Bend County had a sheep in their yard.

The Houston Zoo is kicking off Mother’s Day weekend with some new, adorable faces!

Earth day is this weekend, and you can celebrate with your family at the Houston zoo.

Teenagers who want to work closely with Houston Zoo animals can become a Zoo Crew Explorer.

The Houston Zoo supports several initiatives to save wild animals and you can take action too.

As families file into the Houston Zoo to experience the new Galápagos Islands habitat, they’re making a difference for conservation efforts around the globe. Funding that comes in from guests allows the Zoo to support projects that are saving wildlife. Members of our KPRC 2 team traveled with the Houston Zoo to the Galápagos Islands ahead of the opening of the new exhibit and witnessed firsthand what’s being done to save giant tortoises, sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins.

Featuring California sea lions, Galápagos giant tortoises, Humboldt penguins, black-tip reef sharks, and more!

One of the most magical places on Earth can be experienced at a one-of-a-kind exhibit at the Houston Zoo starting this week. The Galápagos Islands habitat opens to the public on April 7.

Time for a shell-ebration! One of the oldest animals at the Houston Zoo is now a dad!

Police are investigating possible vandalism at the Houston Zoo after workers discovered a four-inch gap cut into the mesh that covers a habitat with brown pelicans.

Houston police were investigating Tuesday after it was discovered that a mesh fence was cut at the Houston Zoo.

The Houston Zoo announced Wednesday the opening date of the Galápagos Islands Exhibit in celebration of its fundraising campaign exceeding the targeted goal of $150 million.

A Dallas-area zoo is closed for the day after authorities say they are searching for a clouded leopard that apparently escaped its habitat overnight, NBC affiliate KXAS reported.

Discovery Green is giving two lucky KPRC 2 Insiders the chance to win a five-pack of tickets to glide beneath the glittering lights of downtown Houston and discover the holiday magic on Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green.

Due to the continued freezing conditions, the Houston Zoo will remain closed over the holiday weekend. It will reopen on Monday, December 26.

The Houston Zoo on Wednesday announced the death of Rudi Valentino, North America’s oldest male orangutan.

Due to inclement weather, the Houston Zoo has canceled “TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights” for several days this week.

Happy Birthday, Rudi Valentino!

Although they may be the newest cubs on the block, they still have more responsibility than most.

Houston Life's Melanie Camp spotted a Yeti at the Houston Zoo and you can too! Zoo Lights is on now through January 8 and the Yeti will be there hanging out for selfies. It is just one of the many Zoo Lights attractions.

The holiday season is here and KPRC 2 is showing you all the cool things you can do with your family to celebrate. From the city to the suburbs, we cover the biggest seasonal attractions in KPRC 2's "Holiday Lights Spectacular" Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

The Houston Zoo welcomed a number of animals in 2022.

Two cougar cubs, found alone in Washington state, have found a new home at the Houston Zoo.

When the Houston Zoo opens its new Galápagos Islands habitat in April, it will represent a connection to the Islands that began years ago.

A 2-year-old black bear has made his Houston Zoo debut, the zoo announced Wednesday.

In April of 2023 the “Saving the Galapagos Islands” habitat opens at the Houston Zoo

KPRC 2 Meteorologist Anthony Yanez talks about his trip to the Galapagos Islands with conservationists from The Houston Zoo

We explore the water creatures that will be represented at the Houston Zoo

How a research center is savig the Galápagos Giant Tortoise

The success story on Santa Cruz

Removing micro-plastic and saving sea turtle eggs

Our journey with the Houston Zoo to the Galápagos Islands started early in the morning Friday. 6 a.m. breakfast, 7 a.m. pick up from our hotel in Quito and it was off to the airport, again. We had flown into Quito, Ecuador from Houston the evening before and caught a few hours of sleep before embarking on the final leg of our trip which would take us to Galápagos for our first day on the Islands.

Our journey with the Houston Zoo to the Galápagos Islands started early in the morning Friday. 6 a.m. breakfast, 7 a.m. pick up from our hotel in Quito and it was off to the airport, again. We had flown into Quito, Ecuador from Houston the evening before and caught a few hours of sleep before embarking on the final leg of our trip which would take us to Galápagos for our first day on the Islands.

The Houston Zoo’s Chilean flamingo flock is expanding. This is the first time in six years the Zoo has successfully hatched flamingo eggs. The chicks have been named Astro and Orbit, in honor of Houston’s major league baseball team. Guests can see the two new chicks, along with several other flamingos, actively nesting on exhibit behind the Flamingo Terrace, or online on the Zoo’s Flamingo Cam.

A not-so-scary haunted house, an Oktoberfest extravaganza and a food and wine festival featuring some of the city’s top chefs made our shortlist of the Houston-area’s cultural offerings this weekend.

The White Rhino is an environmentally-friendly bar throwing a huge benefit tonight in honor of World Rhino Day.

The Houston Zoo has announced its dates for its much-anticipated Halloween event, Zoo Boo.

Brew at the Zoo is back.

The Houston Zoo is taking steps in the right direction in efforts to help out the environment.

Ben Taub Hospital and the Houston Zoo were both placed on a brief lockdown Tuesday after a threat was made at the hospital, according to the Houston Police Department.

The Houston zoo is bringing back its adults-only “After Dark” event to celebrate the 1920s -- the decade when the zoo opened.

The Houston Zoo has added new faces and brand-new species of animals to its family this summer.

A temporary exhibit called Undersea Discovery featuring massive giants of the deep sea is now open at Houston Zoo.

Just like Houston residents, some animals at the Houston Zoo are getting vaccinated against coronavirus.

The Houston Zoo recently welcomed it’s newest bundles of joy -- the capybara pups Bruno and Pepa, named for the characters from the beloved children’s film “Encanto.”

In honor of the Houston Zoo’s centennial birthday, KPRC 2 is proud to present a primetime special highlighting the zoo’s growth, its impact on our community, and the incredible work the zoo does around the globe to save wildlife.

The Houston Life team heads to the Houston Zoo for a sneak peek at their upcoming birthday bash.

Celebrations have begun at the Houston Zoo as they celebrate their 100th anniversary this weekend.

Friday on Houston Life at 3:00 p.m. the entire team is packing up and heading on a road trip. We’re live from the Houston Zoo! The Zoo is holding a 100th birthday party and we’re helping them celebrate. We’re feeding the giraffes, watching the elephants swim, and we’re walking you through everything your family can experience at the Zoo during its Centennial celebration. That’s Friday at 3:00 p.m. on KPRC 2.

The Houston Zoo said Wednesday that it is moving some of its birds inside after avian flu was detected in North Texas.

Do you profess to be a Houston history junkie, a die-hard Houston Zoo fan, or perhaps a genuine zookeeper with a soft spot for trivia? Just how deep does your Houston Zoo knowledge go? Take a few minutes, answer the questions, and see how many you can get right.

In celebration of the institution’s centennial, we dug through history books and archives to unearth some wild and wonderful facts about the Houston Zoo.

The Houston Zoo is celebrating its 100-year anniversary with a big “Birthday Bash” on April 30.

On a small plot of land in Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo began with a single bison. For 80 years, the Zoo was operated by the City of Houston until 2002, when the Zoo transitioned into a non-profit organization in partnership with the city.

A two-story 1938 house with three bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms on a .38-acre lot with a swimming pool

With so many wonderful, fun, and educational spots to take the kiddos for Spring Break, we made it even easier for you and created a traditional and a non traditional list of activities!

For those looking for activities to keep the kids entertained this Spring Break, the Houston Zoo has fun for the entire family!