This is an excellent zoo right in the center of a ...

This is an excellent zoo right in the center of a large urban park in Houston. It is adjacent to Rice University and the Medical Center, creating ample opportunities for trails and walking around the city. The area is also accessibly by the metrorail, though you have to walk a bit to get to the zoo itself. The zoo is well-designed and large! You can definitely take up a whole day there. They are also constantly improving it and adding/updating exhibits. I also recommend attending some of their annual evening events, such as Feast with the Beasts - such an intimate and fun way to see the zoo!