- The endangered African dogs inhabiting the Houston zoo live in an enclosure that features a swimming pool, a host of different trees and plants, and two dens. The dogs are originally from other sanctuaries and zoos as far away as South Africa. Typically weighing about 50 pounds, these dogs can be identified by overly large round ears and their trademark black, gold and white splashed coats.
- The five elephants of the Houston Zoo call the Janice Suber McNair Asian Elephant Habitat home. The first phase of the new habitat was completed in 2008. The zoo's Asian elephants are among only about 50,000 remaining endangered elephants. Because of their dwindling wild populations, every effort is being made to make the Houston zoo inhabitants as comfortable as possible to aid in their breeding
- The Kipp Aquarium has 23 exhibits displaying fish and other marine life from across the globe. One exhibit allows visitors to view the Australian Lungfish and Australian Bonytongue swimming about, both of the fish prehistoric relics from Australia. The Houston Zoo has assembled about 200 different species ranging from invertebrates to carnivores for display at the aquarium.
- The Fischer Bird Gardens at the Houston Zoo showcases some 200 species and 800 individual birds, making it one of the largest and most diverse bird exhibitions in the country. The zoo has taken effort to offer birds from all over the world. One can view Scarlet Ibis from Trinidad and Green Jays from Mexico, followed by Turacos and hornbills from the east, not to mention a host of other exotics.
- The reptile house is home to almost 200 species of reptiles and amphibians. They include pleasure frogs and lizards as well as more exotic and poisonous snakes like the black mamba. The habitat even houses a rare white alligator named Blanco, one of only a handful in the world.
