Endangered Species Day

Endangered Species Day

#SavingSpecies

May 15 and 16, 2015

We're teaming up with Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facilities across the country to show guests what it would be like if some of the world’s most popular animals became extinct. We'll have several endangered species “vanish” from their exhibits on May 15 and 16 as part of the 10th annual Endangered Species Day. We'll have keeper talks throughout the day at the Rainforest and Aquarium Pyrmaid from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. We'll also be offering a Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramid combo pass on May 15 and 16. 

On May 15 & 16 various Moody Gardens animal will be extinct, near extinction or threatened!

EXTINCT:

  • Komodo Dragons
  • Pygmy Slow Lorises
  • Lake Victoria Cichlids

NEAR EXTINCTION:

  • Giant Amazon River Otters
  • Penguins

*The Penguins at the Aquarium Pyramid and Giant Amazon River Otters at the Visitor Center/Rainforest Pyramid will be “extinct” but guests will be allowed to see the animals after participating in a #SavingSpecies action pledge. 

THREATENED:

  • Sharks
  • Sea Turtles

Join us for keeper chats throughout the day to find out why some of our animals vanished and what you can do to help!

Keeper Talks Schedule:

  • 11:00 a.m. Giant Amazon River Otters* (Visitor Center lobby)
  • 11:00 a.m. Penguins (South Atlantic Exhibit, Aquarium Pyramid)
  • 11:45 a.m. Lake Victoria Cichlid (Rainforest Pyramid exit)
  • 1:00 p.m. Giant Amazon River Otters* (Visitor Center lobby)
  • 1:00 p.m. Penguins (South Atlantic Exhibit, Aquarium Pyramid)
  • 1:30 p.m. Pygmy Slow Loris (Rainforest Pyramid Entry Gallery)
  • 2:00 p.m. Komodo Dragons (lower level of Rainforest Pyramid)
  • 3:00 p.m. Giant Amazon River Otters* (Visitor Center lobby)
  • 3:00 p.m. Penguins (South Atlantic Exhibit, Aquarium Pyramid)

*Take #SavingSpecies pledge by the Otter exhibit! Giant River Otter presentations are dependent on the number of pledges we receive.

Combo Ticket:

Visit the Aquarium and Rainforest Pyramid on Endangered Species Day with this Combo Ticket. Learn about endangered animals and attend keeper talks throughout the day. 

  • Rainforest Pyramid & Aquarium Pyramid Combo Ticket: $21.95 (available for purchase at ticket counter on May 15 and 16)

Why Are We Vanishing Animals?

The vanishing animals are part of a larger, national effort organized by the AZA, of which Moody Gardens is a member. Specifically, the 229-accredited members of the AZA are coming together in a variety of ways to help the public consider what it would be like to not be able to see, learn from, or connect with these incredible animals again. This event is to raise awareness of the efforts to save animals from extinction and to help launch AZA SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction.

AZA SAFE: Saving Animals from Extinction 

For decades, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums have been leaders in species survival, and are already working to restore more than 30 species to healthy wild populations, including the American bison, the California condor and a variety of aquatic species. Through SAFE, AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums will convene scientists and stakeholders globally to identify the factors threatening species, develop Conservation Action Plans, collect new resources and engage the public.