Steve Kalbaugh, Moody Gardens Hotel General Manager
Moody Gardens is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Kalbaugh as the new Hotel General Manager. With more than 35 years of management experience, including 22 years dedicated to hospitality leadership, Kalbaugh brings a wealth of expertise to this pivotal role. His extensive background and proven track record will further elevate the exceptional guest experience at the Moody Gardens Hotel.
Kalbaugh most recently served as the Regional Director of Operations at Image Hotel Management in the Nashville, TN area, where he oversaw a diverse portfolio of eight Marriott, Hilton, and IHG select and limited-service properties across Tennessee and Ohio. Prior to this, he spent 18 years as a Hotel General Manager, working with top-tier hotel brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Choice Hotels. His leadership experience also includes a notable tenure as General Manager for Landry’s, Inc. at the San Luis Resort Complex in Galveston from 2009 to 2014.
Throughout his career, Kalbaugh has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in hospitality and service. During his time in Galveston, he was also actively involved in the community.
“I am thrilled to have Steve return to Galveston and join the exceptional team at Moody Gardens,” said John Zendt, Moody Gardens President and CEO, who added that Kalbaugh plans to reside on the Island. “I look forward to seeing how his knowledge and experience will further advance the tradition of outstanding service and enhancing the guest experience at the hotel, while also contributing to the continued success of Moody Gardens as a premier destination.”
Join us in welcoming Steve Kalbaugh to the Moody Gardens family—we wish him all the best in his new role!
Animals predicting the Super Bowl champ has become a tradition over the last 15 years at Moody Gardens. This year, two Giant African Millipedes weighed in with their prediction… but will they be correct?
Who will win between the Chiefs and Eagles? Watch the video to find out!
In a specially built stadium, the Giant African Millipedes took part in a race down the 100-yard field (more like inches) to claim ultimate glory. The entire event was commentated by Moody Gardens announcer “Skip Thompson,” better known as Guest Services Manager, Tim Raeke. And spoiler alert, a famous popstar and popular cartoon character make surprise cameos.
Some facts about Giant African Millipedes:
Usually, dark brown or black in color
Range from 4 to 12 inches in length
Have about 300 to 400 legs
Have weak jaws made for munching on decaying plant matter
Cannot bite humans
If attacked by a predator, they can coil into a tight ball or secrete a foul-smelling, bitter fluid
Some previous animal predictions for the Super Bowl were made by Giant Pacific Octopus, Komodo Dragon, Cownose Stingrays, Red-footed Tortoise, Saki Monkeys, and a Harbor Seal.
A dark, segmented, multi-legged Giant African Millipede (Archispirostreptus gigas) is curled up against a rock in a display enclosure.
If you’re interested in these multi-legged arthropods, step into the heart of the Rainforest Pyramid and encounter a fascinating world of other multi-legged marvels! From Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and Walking Sticks to Tarantulas and Scorpions. Wander through lush, tropical trails surrounded by over 1,700 exotic plants and animals as you explore the vibrant ecosystems of Asia, the Americas, and Africa—all within a breathtaking, fully enclosed glass sanctuary.
Help cleanup the beach for nesting birds and turtles!
NestFest 2025 is being held on March 11 from 9am to 12pm on Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston Island and Follet’s Island.
Protecting Texas’ coastlines has never been more important, and NestFest 2025 is your chance to take action for nesting shorebirds and sea turtles! Join us on Saturday, March 11th, from 9 AM to 12 PM, for a coastal cleanup event spanning 12 locations across Galveston Island, Follet’s Island, and Bolivar Peninsula. This free, family-friendly event invites volunteers of all ages to help clear harmful marine debris from critical nesting habitats, ensuring a safer environment for nesting birds, sea turtles, and their young.
A lone fisherman stands out in the calm waters during the early dawn hours at the San Luis Pass near the Blue Water Highway off of Follet’s Island.
NestFest is a conservation project organized by SPLASh (Stopping Plastics and Littler Along Shorelines) with a mission to create a cleaner environment for people, birds, and other wildlife in the greater Houston-Galveston region through community science, education, and outreach.
Spring is a vital time for Texas beaches, as thousands of shorebirds and sea turtles migrate to lay their eggs. Unfortunately, these coasts also accumulate trash ten times faster than any other Gulf state, creating hazardous obstacles for wildlife. NestFest helps combat this issue by cleaning shorelines ahead of the nesting season, giving species like the Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, and more a greater chance of survival.
Volunteers will not only contribute to an essential conservation effort but will also enjoy exclusive perks. Participants will receive NestFest giveaways, including stickers and t-shirts (while supplies last), and a BOGO coupon valid for a Moody Gardens day pass or individual ticket, redeemable from March 11 through March 31, 2025.
A Willet squawks out a warning to passerbys at the Galveston Island State Park.
Texas’ coastlines are home to some of the world’s most endangered wildlife, like the Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. Events like NestFest play a vital role in protecting these habitats and raising awareness about conservation.
Since its inception in 2023, NestFest has continued to grow in reach and impact. This year’s cleanup sites promise to create safer environments for species that depend on the Texas coastline to thrive.
To learn more about NestFest, register to volunteer, or find a cleanup location near you, visit splashtx.org/nestfest. Together, we can make a difference for Texas wildlife.
A flock of Black-bellied Whistling Ducks float together in a long row across the murky waters of Shoveler Pond surrounded by lilies and moss.
Written by Clayton Leopold. Edited by Kerry M. Toorcana
The second, official sighting of a Yellow-headed Caracara on the beach of Galveston. Photo by Greg Whittaker, General Curator at Moody Gardens.
On December 17th, Greg Whittaker, General Curator and Clayton Leopold, Field Biologist at Moody Gardens, participated in the annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count, a nationwide event that celebrates 125 years of citizens science data. This is the longest running citizen science event in the Nation! The count is bound withing a 15 mile diameter circle that is then broken into sections to organize coverage. Volunteers count birds for a 24 hour period, and not only enumerates species, but also counts each individual.
The real star of the count was a Juvenile Yellow-headed Caracara! Only in recent years has this species been spotted in the United States, and second time in Texas! Greg located the bird on Galveston beach and was able to obtain identifiable photos which aids in detailed documentation.
Ash-throated flycatcher. Photo by Clayton Leopold, Field Biologist at Moody Gardens
Christmas bird counts were born out of an effort to turn a yearly hunting extravaganza into a conservation initiative. Today, Moody Gardens participates in Christmas bird counts to support these efforts. Data from these counts can help track population changes over time and can lead to a better understanding of how threats are affecting species.
To learn more about the Audubon Christmas Bird Count and even participate, you can read more here.
Diablo, the Komodo Dragon inside his exhibit at the Moody Gardens Rainforest Pyramid (photo by: Kerry Toorcana)
In the November edition of Waves Magazine which serves as the ultimate guide to Galveston for visitors and residents alike, you can read about Diablo, our 14-year old Komodo Dragon who can seen on most days inside the Rainforest Pyramid or on occasion at the Visitor’s Center.
Diablo, the Komodo Dragon inside the otter exhibit at the Moody Gardens Visitor Center during a rainy day outing. (Photo by: Olivia Phu)
Moody Gardens is home to many remarkable creatures, but Diablo, the 14-year-old Komodo dragon, truly stands out as a crowd favorite. From his impressive size—eight feet long and 175 pounds—to his intelligence and engaging behavior, Diablo captivates visitors with every encounter. Hatched in 2010 at the Los Angeles Zoo, he arrived at Moody Gardens as a tiny hatchling and has since grown into a living relic of prehistoric times, thanks to exceptional care and training. For those who know him best, Diablo is much more than just a fascinating animal; he’s a reminder of nature’s incredible history and diversity.
As the Animal Welfare Manager, Marci has spent countless hours socializing and conditioning Diablo, drawing on her two decades of expertise in reptile and animal care. While Diablo exhibits incredible traits, Marci and her team remain vigilant, adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure everyone’s well-being when working with this powerful wild animal. Even the most docile dragons must be handled with care, as Diablo’s sharp teeth and unpredictable moods remind staff of his untamed nature.
Read more about Diablo, and his caretaker Marci as well as the challenges and hopes that he faces for the future as an aging reptile.
The original article was written by Dr. Richard D. Henderson, DVM of the Galveston Veterinary Clinic. Dr. Henderson serves as the veterinary medical provider for the Moody Gardens Rainforest and Aquarium Pyramids, and is responsible for examining and treating animals in the collection including over 300 species of fish, seals, penguins, reptiles, amphibians, birds, small mammals and primates.
Donation Supports the Association of Zoos & Aquariums SAFE: Saving Animals From Extinction
Members of the Moody Gardens Education Department and the SAVY (Society for the Advancement of Volunteer Youth) present a donation check for $2,000 towards the AZA (Association of Zoos & Aquariums) SAFE (Saving Animals from Extinction) program.
Members of SAVY use an educational, interactive cart while speaking to visitors inside the Rainforest Pyramid.
Funds for the donation were raised by SAVY teams through public engagement about the animals in the pyramid attractions. Volunteers staffed interactive educational booths, speaking with visitors before they entered the attractions. The majority of the SAFE donation came from these visitor contributions. As a Moody Gardens youth volunteer group, SAVY directly supports Moody Gardens’ mission to utilize nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
SAFE works to safeguard species at risk of extinction by creating recovery plans, connecting AZA facilities, and measuring conservation efforts. SAVY’s interactive educational display at Moody Gardens has played a key role in this initiative, teaching guests about the SAFE program and highlighting the specific animals that Moody Gardens supports through SAFE.
SAVY, offers a unique opportunity for individuals aged 13 to 17 to engage in community service while gaining hands-on experience in various career fields, including biology and education.
Through their involvement, SAVY members contribute to Moody Gardens’ educational and conservation efforts, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to its mission. SAVY members have played a crucial role in supporting the SAFE program, demonstrating their commitment to conservation and community involvement.
Applications for the Summer SAVY program will open in December of 2024, offering new volunteers the opportunity to contribute to important projects and gain valuable skills.
Learn about the work being done in the Gulf to repair the damage done by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Did you know that Moody Gardens divers help support the restoration of deep-sea corals in the Gulf of Mexico that were injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill? Join divers and staff from NOAA, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, and other related organizations to learn all about these efforts and connect live on the big screen to an exciting expedition at sea happening right now!
This free event will take place in the Moody Gardens 3D Theater from 6pm to 7pm. Register for the event here.
Ducky, the Giant Pacific Octopus at Moody Gardens Aquarium Pyramid
Our team is sad to announce the loss of our Giant Pacific Octopus, Ducky. Ducky was a mischievous little guy who loved playing with Lego and getting splashed with “rain” from a watering can. Recently, Ducky began to show the signs of senescence – a natural process at the end of an octopus’ life cycle. He will be deeply missed by his keepers and all the guests who enjoyed coming to the aquarium to see him.
The natural lifecycle process of senescence is marked by certain attributes and changes in behavior. According to the article ‘Octopus Senescence: The Beginning of the End‘ appearing in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science,
“Senescence is a normal stage of an octopus’s life cycle that often occurs before death. Some of the following symptoms typify it: lack of feeding, retraction of skin around the eyes, uncoordinated movement, increased undirected activity, and white unhealing lesions on the body. There is inter- and intraspecific variability. Senescence is not a disease or a result of disease, although diseases can also be a symptom of it.“
Giant Pacific Octopus live in the North Pacific Ocean, in waters up to 2,500 feet deep and can be found from Japan to Alaska, even as far south as Baja California. Their typical lifespans fall between three to five years although, there are species of octopus whose lifespans can also be as short as six months. The Giant Pacific Octopus also uses eight strong arms plus a paralyzing toxin for hunting and devouring prey. They are the largest species of octopus in the world and are considered one of the Animal Kingdom’s most intelligent creatures.
Ducky predicts the winner of Super Bowl LVIII
We will dearly miss Ducky, an important ambassador animal which educated visitors about cephalopods at the Aquarium Pyramid.
Advancing Wildlife Protection and Environmental Education Through Global Collaboration
Moody Gardens is proud to be official partners with Ecology Project International (EPI) and Pacuare Reserve.
Moody Gardens is excited to announce a new partnership in conservation and education with Ecology Project International (EPI) and Pacuare Reserve. This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to protecting wildlife and promoting environmental awareness.
Agami Heron perched on a decaying log in the Costa Rican tropical forest at Pacuare Reserve.
Our partnership with Pacuare Reserve includes funding assistance for conservation projects, staffing, and research. This support is vital for expanding the conservation efforts focused on the rare and magnificent Agami Heron, among other species.
This multi-year endeavor aligns with our mission of advancing conservation and education through successful international collaborations. One of our initial joint projects involves contributing to the construction of an observation blind for the majestic Agami Heron and hatcheries that protect sea turtle nests. We look forward to achieving great things together through joint research initiatives, educational programs, and impactful conservation projects.
Ecology Project International is a non-profit organization that fosters place-based education partnerships among educators, experts, and students. The work of EPI helps promotes scientific and community-based conservation, which addresses human and environmental threats.
Pacuare Reserve, managed by EPI, is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including three species of monkeys, 252 bird species, sea turtles, jaguars, and ocelots to name a few. The reserve, accessible only by boat, welcomes eco-tourists, students, and researchers to its dense jungle outpost.
Visitors can look forward to observing the flora and fauna first hand which can give them a real sense of the world in its natural environment. They can also participate in census collection and field research where they can observe and study species such as sea turtles, monkeys, felines and birds.
Additionally, they can learn about the diverse species and natural wonders of the reserve, with field assistants who explain scientific terms in simple, easy-to-understand language. For those unable to visit, donations are welcomed to support ecosystem protection, research, and education in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss.
Curious Spider Monkeys looking down through the branches of the dense rainforest.
The Agami Heron, known for its vibrant breeding colors, is classified as Vulnerable due to habitat loss and other threats. Its small, scattered population makes it especially vulnerable. The research project at Pacuare Reserve is vital for protecting this species by studying its behavior, migration, and habitat needs, and sharing the findings with the international Agami Heron Working Group.
Research and conservation programs for the Agami Herons faces challenges, including the need for advanced technology like satellite transmitters and high-quality optical instruments. Moody Gardens is supporting Pacuare Reserve by helping design and place a blind to enhance the observation site. This will allow researchers, and participants to gather more accurate data and improve existing conservation strategies.
Together, Moody Gardens and EPI are confident that our joint efforts will lead to significant advancements in conservation and education for the Agami Heron and other species that can be found at Pacuare Reserve.
The World Food Championship (WFC) is thrilled to announce the victor of the highly anticipated 2024 World Food Championship, Bethany Boedicker, Executive Pastry Chef for the Moody Gardens Hotel
Bethany Boedicker, Executive Pastry Chef at Moody Gardens Hotel, Spa & Convention Center
Boedicker, a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience, emerged triumphant after an exhilarating competition against champions from 11 diverse categories. Renowned for her expertise in desserts, Boedicker clinched the esteemed title of the 11th World Food Champion.
The intense two-day culinary battle unfolded at Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food in Bentonville, Arkansas, where chefs from around the globe showcased their exceptional talents. Guided by esteemed judges Matthew Cooper, Joe “Trae” Basore III, and Timothy Ordway, contestants faced a series of challenges meticulously crafted to push their culinary skills to the limit.
Boedicker expressed her elation at the victory, stating,
“Winning this prestigious title and receiving such a generous prize is an incredible honor. This achievement marks a pinnacle in my career, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to compete among the best in the industry.”
“We are incredibly proud of Bethany’s achievement at the World Food Championships. Her talent and dedication have been evident throughout her 11 years with us, and this win is a testament to her exceptional skill and passion for pastry.”
Leon Garrison, Moody Gardens General Manager
TheWorld Food Championships (WFC) is the premier culinary competition, attracting talented chefs worldwide. Since its inception in 2012, the WFC has transformed competitive cooking and impacted the food industry. With its global audience, the WFC continues to deliver unparalleled culinary experiences and support communities through various partnerships. For more information, please visit www.worldfoodchampionships.com.
Special Note: Bethany will be appearing as a headliner chef at the Galveston Island Wine Festival during Labor Weekend from August 30 to September 1.
Experience Life at Moody Gardens, Galveston Island!
Work or play, the tropical splendor surrounds you in this little piece of paradise! Moody Gardens features a variety of unique attractions, a 4-diamond hotel, spa & convention center and an 18-hole seaside-links golf course.
Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.
