Construction crews quietly got to work Wednesday at the Houston Zoo, marking the start of a multi-year overhaul of the park's African habitats that will roll out through 2026 and into early 2027. The upgrades are designed to boost shade and animal-care features while reshaping how visitors move through the giraffe and rhino zones.
According to KHOU, the white rhinoceros space is getting a full renovation to support expanded species care and long-term habitat health. Plans call for an additional rhino and zebras, more shade, and a covered viewing shelter so visitors can get closer, along with animal-care additions such as heaters, fans, feeders, and a new water feature. KHOU also reports that a portion of every ticket and membership will support the International Rhino Foundation, and that several construction projects began on Jan. 7, with phased openings expected throughout 2026 and into early 2027.
The Houston Zoo says the McGovern giraffe habitat will get a refresh that includes a new shade canopy plus additional drinkers, fans, and feeders to cut heat exposure and keep the herd more comfortable. The zoo lists its Masai giraffes as Zawadi, Asali, Gigi, Kamili, and Tino, and notes that guests can still visit the giraffe feeding platform and attend keeper chats during construction, according to Houston Zoo.
Shani Market and visitor amenities
The zoo is reworking Shani Market into a grab-and-go stop with self-checkout stations for retail and food and beverage, including Icee, and plans to highlight products from conservation partners in Kenya. Sitting between the giraffe and rhino habitats, the market is set to open in phases alongside the upgraded animal spaces, KHOU reports.
Why the rhino work matters
Conservation numbers underline the stakes: global rhino populations are still low, at roughly 26,700 animals across all species, according to IFAW. The International Rhino Foundation, which the zoo supports through ticketing and partnerships, reports it has spent more than 30 years working to protect rhinos across Africa and Asia (International Rhino Foundation).
What visitors should know
The Houston Zoo will stay open while crews work behind construction fences and is asking guests to follow detour signs and check the zoo's construction page for the latest on closures and keeper programs. For current details on pathway changes and event adjustments, visitors can consult the construction update at Houston Zoo.
