Category: Get Involved (Page 1 of 3)

Preserving Paradise: A Journey to Pacuare Reserve

February 26, 2025 / / 1 Comment

Join Us for a Special Presentation featuring
Guest Speaker, Lola Crassard!

Preserving Paradise: A Journey to Pacuare Reserve with a picture of an Agami Heron perched on a dry, mossy and decomposing broken trunk of a tree with dense vegetation in the background.
An Agami Heron perched on a branch at the Pacuare Reserve.

Mark your calendars for a free special event at the MG 3D Theater! Join us on Friday, March 14, at 7:00 PM or Saturday, March 15, at 9:30 AM for a guest speaker presentation by Lola Crassard, Wildlife Monitoring Technician biologist at the Pacuare Reserve. Guests may attend one or both sessions, but advance registration is required due to limited seating—early reservations are highly recommended.

Register Here

Moody Gardens & Pacuare Reserve Partnership

In 2025, Moody Gardens committed to a three-year partnership with Ecology Project International (EPI), which manages the Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica. As part of our commitment, we are providing funding through the Moody Gardens Conservation Fund to aid in studies on the populations of the Agami heron and sea turtles.  This funding will support the construction of a bird blind and a sea turtle hatchery. 

About Pacuare Reserve

The Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica

The Pacuare Reserve is the only known Agami Heron nesting site along the Costa Rican Caribbean, between Southern Mexico and Northern Colombia. The reserve also provides critical nesting sites for leatherback, green and hawksbill sea turtles. Research conducted here plays a crucial role in shaping conservation strategies and informing decisions by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

About Lola Crassard

Lola Crassard at Pacuare Reserve

Lola Crassard is a dedicated wildlife biologist specializing in ecological research, wildlife monitoring, and environmental education. At the Pacuare Reserve, she studies felines, large mammals, and primates through camera trap monitoring and transect sampling, while also researching Agami Heron nesting populations.

Her previous experience includes behavioral research and enrichment program development for captive animals at Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center, as well as biodiversity research in Peru’s Tambopata National Reserve. She holds a Biology and Ecology degree from Université de Montpellier and is fluent in English, Spanish, and French.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation from an expert in the field. Whether you’re passionate about birds, biodiversity, or conservation efforts, this presentation promises to be both informative and inspiring!

Join Us at NestFest 2025

January 24, 2025 / / 1 Comment

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.

NestFest is hosted by Gulf Coast Bird Observatory, American Bird Conservancy, Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research, Galveston Bay Area Chapter – Texas Master Naturalists, and SPLASh, with Moody Gardens as a proud sponsor of this impactful event.

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.

Joining Forces for Conservation: Moody Gardens Partners with Ecology Project International and Pacuare Reserve

July 3, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Advancing Wildlife Protection and Environmental Education Through Global Collaboration

Ecology Project International and Pacuare Rserve enters into conservation partnership with Moody Gardens.
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.

The Agami Heron at its breeding grounds in Costa Rica at Pacuare Reserve.
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.

Two Spider Monkeys look down through the branches of the rainforest at Pacuare Reserve.
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.

Working Underwater in a National Marine Sanctuary: Field Notes from Our Recent Adventure at the Flower Garden Banks

September 19, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Hello, fellow ocean enthusiasts! We’re thrilled to share some exciting field notes from our recent adventure at the Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary. Join us as we take a closer look at our “working” trip with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), where we delved deep into the heart of the ocean to perform essential maintenance and explore the wonders of the deep blue.

Our Daring Crew, Boosting Operational Capacity, and Key Triumphs!

Representing the Moody Gardens Dive Program on this incredible journey were scientific divers and dive officers Chris Ledford, Aaron Bouwkamp, and Elisabeth Maxwell. These seasoned divers were more than ready to tackle the challenges that lay ahead. Under the guidance of NOAA, strict commercial diving standards are required to ensure safety and success in our underwater mission.

One thing that didn’t go unnoticed was the significant impact our participation had on the trip’s operational capacity. Our team’s expertise and dedication brought an extra layer of efficiency to the mission, making each dive and task more productive. Though our main goal is to support efforts in a safe and productive manner, we really enjoyed seeing the success unfold!

Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of our accomplishments during this unforgettable trip:

  1. Anchors Away: One of our primary objectives was to replace worn out moorings with brand-new mooring buoy U-bolts. We helped successfully install not one, but two, of these essential components, ensuring the mooring system’s reliability and strength. These U-bolts are crucial for securing vessels and equipment during various underwater operations for the sanctuary, as well as providing public access!
  2. A Temporary Solution: In the world of marine exploration, flexibility is key. We faced unexpected challenges, including the need for a “temporary” mooring anchor. With expert precision from the sanctuary team, an implemented and rigorously tested solution was found! Photo 1 in our gallery offers a sneak peek into our ingenious dry-side mockup of the temporary mooring system.

Why are mooring buoys important to the Flower Gardens Banks you ask? First, it’s important to know anchoring in the FGBNMS is strictly prohibited because it is incredibly damaging to coral reefs. Mooring buoys play a crucial role in the health and preservation of ocean environments because they provide a means of accessing a beautiful area like the FGBNMS without having to anchor. This provides a huge protection to coral reefs and established habitats and gives access while minimizing damage, reducing chemical pollution, enhancing safety, promoting sustainable tourism, and fostering environmental awareness. You can learn more about them here: https://flowergarden.noaa.gov/protection/mooringbuoys.html

Diagram of a mooring buoy from the Flower Garden Banks Marine Sanctuary.

Example of an installed u-bolt before the mooring is attached.

Witness the intricate setup of the temporary mooring system. Braided cable, clamped to a broken u-bolt, serves as a necessary attachment point for our mooring line. This line is indispensable for drilling operations when installing new U-bolts.

Dive into the action as Chris Ledford gets geared up and ready to plunge into the depths. Standing by as a dedicated safety diver, Aaron Bouwkamp is always at the ready to ensure the safety of the team.

Discover the hands-on work behind the scenes. Elisabeth Maxwell, Jacque Emmert, and Aaron Bouwkamp join forces to mix and bag cement, a crucial step in securing the new u-bolt anchors firmly in place.

Temporary mooring solution installed on the broken U-bolt!

Teamwork for the Win

Our adventure at the Flower Garden Banks was nothing short of extraordinary. While we faced some unexpected challenges, the spirit of exploration and teamwork prevailed. To date, our dive team has supported 31 missions for NOAA’s FGBNMS since 2013 and has helped with the installation of six mooring buoys  with plans to continue supporting future efforts!

We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the entire Dive Operations team for their dedication and commitment to ocean conservation and exploration. Stay tuned for more thrilling underwater escapades as we continue to explore the mysteries of the deep and work tirelessly to protect our precious marine ecosystems thanks to support like yours!

Until next time, dive deep, dream big, and make waves! 🌊🐟🦑

– Moody Gardens Dive Ops

Celebrating Our Dedicated Team During National Zookeeper Week!

July 25, 2023 / / 0 Comments

Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating National Zookeeper Week, a time dedicated to honoring the unsung heroes of our sanctuary – the hardworking and passionate individuals who dedicate their lives to caring for our beloved animals. As we reflect back on this special week, we cannot help but be overwhelmed with gratitude for our incredible team of zookeepers who make Moody Gardens a truly magical place.

One of our cherished team members, Janie, the talented Penguin & Seal Biologist, beautifully summed up her experience with the following heartfelt quote: “Over the last 2+ years, I have learned so much, made wonderful memories, and gotten to work with some amazing people and animals! The 14-year-old me that started volunteering at Moody Gardens could only dream of having this career, and I’m so happy to have achieved that dream. Hug your local zookeeper and enjoy the photos!”

Janie’s story exemplifies the journey of passion and dedication that our zookeepers embark upon. Many of them begin as bright-eyed volunteers, motivated by their love for wildlife and the desire to contribute positively to conservation efforts. Over time, they grow and learn, gaining valuable knowledge and hands-on experience through countless hours of hard work and determination.

These remarkable individuals play an integral role in our mission to utilize nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research. Through their care, expertise, and commitment, our animals thrive in a safe and nurturing environment, allowing visitors to witness their natural behaviors up close and personal.

National Zookeeper Week gives us the opportunity to recognize the challenges our team faces daily. From meticulously preparing diets tailored to each animal’s needs to creating stimulating environments that encourage physical and mental well-being, their dedication knows no bounds. Their efforts extend beyond the well-being of the animals, as they also serve as invaluable educators, teaching the public about the importance of conservation and the need to protect these incredible species.

At Moody Gardens, we take immense pride in our diverse and talented team of zookeepers who work tirelessly to ensure the happiness and well-being of our animals. Each member brings their unique skills, experience, and passion to the table, resulting in a vibrant and harmonious atmosphere that permeates throughout our sanctuary.

As we honored our zookeepers during this special week, we also wanted to extend our heartfelt appreciation to you, our dear visitors, and supporters. Your continued love and support make it possible for us to maintain our high standards of care and carry out crucial conservation efforts.

We encourage you to take a moment to express your gratitude to the zookeepers at your local wildlife sanctuaries and zoos, no matter the week. Their dedication often goes unnoticed, but their impact on the lives of both animals and humans is immeasurable.

So, from all of us here at Moody Gardens, a big shoutout to our amazing team of zookeepers! Your hard work, passion, and unwavering commitment inspire us daily, and we are incredibly fortunate to have you as part of our family.

Let us continue to cherish and protect the fascinating creatures that share our planet, and as Janie said, don’t forget to give your local zookeeper a warm hug of appreciation!

With heartfelt thanks and warm wishes,
Jaree Hefner
Moody Gardens Blogger

MOODY GARDENS HONORED AS REGION’S TOP BLOOD DONATION FACILITY SAVING OVER 2,100 LIVES

December 17, 2021 / / 0 Comments

The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Recognizes Moody Gardens with 2020 Group of the Year Award

 Moody Gardens has been recognized with the 2020 Community Group of the Year Award by Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center. The award was presented to Moody Gardens President and CEO John Zendt on Friday, October 15. Due to the pandemic, many Americans worked from home and corporate blood donations and public events were cancelled in 2020 resulting in a regional and national blood shortage. Moody Gardens was closed for approximately two months and reopened in May 2020. After reopening, Moody Gardens was fortunate enough to have a great community of blood donors behind them and a facility available with ample space to setup Blood Drive Events regularly and continue to donate during challenging times. Moody Gardens held 30 blood drives in 2020, donated 708 total units of blood and saved approximately 2,124 lives.

 

The Community Blood Drives have become a priority and a staple at Moody Gardens. Despite the challenging times the tourism industry and nearly all businesses have faced, there was a desire to aid in whatever way possible at Moody Gardens and blood drives were a vital need that the facility was able to provide. Staff, visitors and local residents showed up to support the Community Blood Drives on a regular basis for this important cause. Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center is one of the largest community blood centers in the United States, serving 26 counties across the Texas Gulf Coast, Brazos Valley and East Texas. They serve more than 170 hospitals and health care institutions. Out of the total 26 counties, Moody Gardens was the top facility for blood donations in 2020. Since there is not a neighborhood donor center on Galveston Island, Moody Gardens is the prime location to donate. Moody Gardens management and staff look forward hosting Blood Drives regularly and giving back to the community.

 

“We kept asking for more blood drives and they kept setting up more dates with us. Moody Gardens President and CEO, John Zendt is a devoted donor and advocate of blood donation in the community,” stated Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center Account Manager Laurie Hartrick.

MOODY GARDENS OPENS REEFER LAB ON 4/20

April 19, 2019 / / 0 Comments

Aquarium Pyramid’s New Coral Reef Lab Addresses Critical Environmental Crisis On Florida Reef Tract

DONATE NOW: CLICK HERE TO HELP SAVE CORAL REEFS

Moody Gardens wants you to be a reefer starting 4/20. Now that we have your attention, an international effort is underway to increase awareness and combat a disease that is rapidly killing the Florida Reef Tract, the third largest coral reef system in the world. Moody Gardens’ new Coral Rescue Lab will be used to propagate coral as it focuses on species being impacted by this disease.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), selected Moody Gardens to participate in this vital project to help save corals native to the Florida Reef Tract as one of 60 institutions from 21 states and Canada.

“We are excited and honored to be selected as one of the institutions that are being entrusted with the care of these corals,” said Greg Whittaker, Moody Gardens Animal Husbandry Manager.

In 2014, an unidentified coral tissue loss disease was first observed in Miami-Dad County and quickly spread throughout the north areas of the Florida Reef Tract. The disease outbreak continued to persistently spread south of Miami through the Upper and Middle Keys, reaching the Lower Keys by April 2018.

In response to the disease the Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary (FKNMS), and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) have formed the Florida Coral Rescue Team to execute the Florida Coral Rescue Plan to save what is left of Florida’s healthy coral stocks. Part of that plan includes the Rescue Team reaching out to institutions to house and maintain corals for gene banking and propagation for potential future restoration activities.

The Rescue Plans has two primary goals: prevent ecological extinction of the most susceptible species along the Florida Reef Tract, and maintain as much genetic diversity as possible among approximately 25 species of coral.

“Corals are animals and are highly impacted by their environment. Through this effort we are helping nature respond to a crisis and recover to once again become a healthy ecosystem,” Whittaker said.

In March the Aquarium Pyramid received 250 pieces of live aquacultured rock in preparation for the live corals for the exhibit. Aquacultured rock is rock used to season coral aquariums and prepare them for holding local corals. On April 17, Moody Gardens received the coral entrusted to us and acclimated it to its temporary home inside an exhibit inside the Aquarium Pyramid.

“We are looking forward to being able to educate our guests about the diversity of Florida’s coral reefs and the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem for them to thrive,” Whittaker said, adding that this project fits in perfectly with the cornerstones of Moody Gardens’ mission of conservation, education, rehabilitation and research.
The arrival of the live coral into the Aquarium Pyramid appropriately coincides with Earth Day, being celebrated property-wide at Moody Gardens with presentations and crafts on April 20. As part of the Earth Day festivities, the first 100 people starting at 10 a.m. to visit a new Reef Rescue VR Experience will receive two-for-one admission to the attraction. Reef Rescue VR is an interactive high-capacity virtual reality experience where up to 16 people can pilot their own R.O.V.E.R. to help clean up waters, plant new coral branches and feed the fish, returning the reef to complete health in the process.

Moody Gardens is a public, non-profit, educational destination utilizing nature in the advancement of rehabilitation, conservation, recreation, and research.

A Day at the Beach for those with Special Needs

August 30, 2018 /

Everyone deserves a day at the beach, right? That’s why special needs individuals are encouraged to come out to a beautiful day at the beach with Moody Gardens and Texas Adaptive Aquatics to participate in free adaptive sports designed just for them.  The 28th annual Adaptive Water Sports Festival will be Sept. 8 from 10 am to 4 pm at Moody Gardens Palm Beach.

Weather permitting, all guests ages eight and up who have special needs will have the opportunity to water ski, sail, kayak and paddleboard with special equipment and instructors at no charge. The annual event gives individuals a chance to experience water sports. For some it’s the first time to experience any sort of sport of this kind, which makes it a very rare and unique opportunity.

Individuals are also encouraged to bring their family along too to share the experience. Up to 4 immediate family members and caregivers are welcome to accompany guests who are participating and can enjoy free admission to Palm Beach. Extended family and friends can participate in the fun by purchasing a regular admission to Palm Beach, however only the lazy river and wave pool will be available to guests during this time.

The event reaches hundreds of families each year with the generous help of adaptive equipment and instructors from Turning Point Gulf Coast, Galveston Community Sailing, Island Paddle, Sun Time Watersports and Texas Adaptive Aquatics as well as volunteers from around the community including UTMB.

“This event gives individuals with special needs the opportunity to enjoy an array of water sports, which is not something that they get to do very often,” said Moody Gardens Volunteer Coordinator Molly Willems. “Seeing the thrill and excitement that it gives them is the most rewarding thing about this event.”

Registration for the event is required and will be open from Aug. 2 through Aug. 30. All activities are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The Adaptive Water Sports Festival is one of several Hope Therapy events held at Moody Gardens every year. For event RSVP or volunteer registration, please contact Moody Gardens at 409-683-4108 or email volunteers@moodygardens.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cold-stunned Green Sea Turtles released after being cared for at Moody Gardens

January 11, 2018 / / 0 Comments

More than 90 Green Sea Turtles that were rescued last week after suffering from cold-stun were safely released to warmer waters off North Padre Island Wednesday afternoon.

These beautiful turtles, ranging in size from 6 pounds to a whopping 70 pounds, called Moody Gardens home since last week following a dramatic drop in temperatures that left the turtles stranded in East Matagorda Bay, about 100 miles southwest of Galveston. 

In all, nearly 300 Green Sea Turtles were rescued along a five-mile stretch of the bay. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) led the rehabilitation mission. With an animal holding facility, complete with large holding tanks, Moody Gardens was happy to partner with NOAA to offer a home, and rehabilitation, for the turtles until it was time for their release.

NOAA released about 75 turtles off North Padre Island Tuesday with another 200 released Wednesday. Some turtles will remain at NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Lab here on Galveston Island until they are well enough to be released back into the wild.

Officials chose North Padre Island, just south of Corpus Christi, as the release site so that the turtles will enter warmer waters. Another cold front is expected to hit the Galveston area this Friday, and the goal is to release the turtles into warmer waters before that happens. The cold front shouldn’t impact North Padre Island and the surrounding area.

Green Sea Turtles feed on sea grasses found in the shallow bay waters. They were in the East Matagorda Bay area last week when temperatures dropped to freezing, leaving them cold-stunned and unable to retreat to warmer waters. Cold-stun can happen when water temperatures drop to 50 degrees. When that happens, the turtle’s metabolism shuts down and they respond by expanding their lungs and floating to the top of the water. Doing so can further expose them as they let cooler air into their lungs. Unable to swim, many are pushed up to the shoreline.

Turtles were triaged as they were rescued. They were measured, weighed and checked for any abnormalities and wounds. Those deemed healthy were sent to Moody Gardens while those who were wounded were cared for NOAA’s fisheries lab.

Staff and volunteers cleaned turtles, scrubbing off algae, debris, grime, barnacles, and in some cases even oysters. Tags were attached to the turtles’ front flippers. Internal tags were also placed so that the animals can be tracked in the future, if needed.

Moody Gardens’ mission has always focused on conserving natural spaces and resources. Looking at the natural habitat around Moody Gardens, sea turtles are probably one of the highest profile species that live in our native waters and are in need of our help.

Give Back When You Give A Gift This Holiday Season

December 21, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Christmas is just around the corner which means the countdown is on to find gifts for all those special people in your life. But in the spirit of giving, why not also give some love back to the environment at the same time with an eco-friendly gift. Moody Gardens is here to help with these suggestions.

Handmade (or Feet-Made) Gifts – Show you care by taking time out to make something from scratch, whether that be a recipe or craft. If you aren’t feeling so artsy yourself, did you know the Moody Gardens’ penguins are painters? As part of their enrichment activities, some of our penguins have become quite the established artists. Watch them hop across a canvas to create their masterpieces during a Public or Private Penguin Encounter, or simply pick up a piece of art in the Moody Gardens’ gift shop. The funds raised from these purchases goes toward animal conservation efforts.

Gifts That Benefit An Organization’s Conservation Work – Several agencies also allow you to purchase gifts or make donations where the money collected goes to help with conservation efforts. As a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Moody Gardens is a proud supporter of the Vaquita CPR effort, which seeks to provide safe habitats for the most critically endangered marine mammal in the world. Our own Animal Husbandry Manager Greg Whittaker even took part in AZA’s #Pied4APorpoise campaign earlier this year.

Recycled or Upcycled Goods – Whether it’s a wind chime made out of a wine bottle or a rug made from medicine containers, there has been a recent trend in giving discarded products new life. Several sites such as Etsy offer these goods direct from the artist who makes them and they are sure to be conversation starters with anyone who sees them.

Growable Gifts – Have someone with a green thumb on your holiday shopping list? Seedlings, planting kits or seed paper are all great ideas to ensure they have something to enjoy all year long.

Experiences – Instead of giving a tangible gift, make some memories with your loved ones with an activity. Moody Gardens has something for everyone to enjoy from adrenaline-filled adventures to romantic dinners and spa packages.

Happy Gifting!

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