Cancellation of Houston Zoo July and August Free ‘First Tuesday’ Afternoons

Cancellation of  Houston Zoo July and August Free ‘First Tuesday’ Afternoons

Citing traffic congestion and safety concerns, Houston Zoo on June 18 announced that the Zoo is altering its free ‘First Tuesday’ of the month afternoon (2 p.m. to closing) admission policy and removing the summer dates from the schedule. 

The change went into effect immediately resulting in the cancellation of the July 3 and August 7 free ‘First Tuesday’ afternoons.  However, the free ‘First Tuesday’ (2 p.m. to closing) afternoons from September through May will remain in effect.  Visit the Houston Zoo online at http://www.houstonzoo.org/revisedfreedays/ for more information.

The change in the Houston Zoo’s free first Tuesday admission policy was prompted by the severe traffic congestion in Hermann Park and in the Texas Medical Center that accompanied the free first Tuesday afternoon on June 5. 

“Approximately 12,000 people came to the Houston Zoo in a 3 hour period that afternoon,” said Houston Zoo President and CEO Deborah Cannon.  The traffic congestion that resulted on Cambridge Street created a potential hazard for Houston Fire Department ambulances and other emergency vehicles making their way to the emergency rooms at Ben Taub and Memorial Hermann hospitals.

Brian Hill

Director of Public Affairs

Houston Zoo