While contemplating my next blog post I came across some pictures from the Houston Zoo. It's been a couple of years since I've been... I want to go feed the giraffes! Plus there is new babies at the zoo, and what is more adorable than a baby animal? This got me wondering on how the zoo came to the city and if there was any interesting story to its creation.
The Houston Zoo had its early beginnings in 1922 with a bison named Earl. A fence was put around him and the park collected other birds and reptiles. At that time it was named Hermann Park Zoo. The first staff member was Hans Nagel who built up the collection and bought the zoos first elephant, Hans. Hans, the zookeeper, did lion and elephant shows. Only in Texas, would this story exist but he passed away on Zoo ground during a gun fight.
In 1950, the Zoo expanded to add primates, an aviary and an array of other animals. They have an agreement with the city for a 50 year lease of the park. They have expanded the Zoo and brought in more animals.
The nest time to visit the Zoo would be in the spring or fall just for the simple fact that our summers can be unbearable sometimes.
I plan to make it out there soon to feed the giraffes, see the large cats, and the baby elephant.
They are open from 9am-7pm; children under 2 are free, children 2-11 $11, adults $15, and senior citizens 65+ $8.50.
This is the San Jacinto Museum of History located in La Porte, Texas. Texas won their independence from Mexico here on April 21, 1836. Unless your parents take you to visit the Monument (that's another name for it too) your first experience is probably on a school field trip in 4th grade when you learn all about Texas History.
However, if you're like me you've been here a thousand times maybe even more. You see, my Mom and family friend have worked out here for the last decade and I myself have worked out here off and on.
If you know nothing about Texas history, then walking through the main exhibit gallery will give you a basic understanding and to do that it is, FREE! The gallery use to house more of the permanent exhibit that the museum has in archives, but they have different Special Exhibits right now which you have to pay to see.
On the hour, they show a 35 minute presentation on the Texas Revolution which gives you a more in depth understanding. The film is narrated by Charles Heston and it will cost you money.
You can also take a ride to the observation level 489 ft above. You can see the Houston Ship Channel, Downtown Houston, and the surrounding marshlands. It's really a nice view.
It's a great place to go, but I've just been there way to much recently. One thing you don't want to miss is the yearly reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto. They do it on the actual day or the closet weekend to that date and it is a whole day festival and event. It's free to get into the park, but museum fees still apply.
The nest time to visit the Zoo would be in the spring or fall just for the simple fact that our summers can be unbearable sometimes. 
