Pollinators help plants complete their life cycle by moving pollen from one plant to another. This is a very important process if you like any of the following things – chocolate, fruits, ice cream, and even tequila!

Celebrate these miracle workers during Pollinator Palooza Presented by Whole Foods Market. Talk to local bee keepers, learn about the different types of pollinators, and check out our pollination stations!

Don’t miss the ladybug release at the Butterfly Garden near the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo.

This event is included in your Zoo admission and is free for Zoo Members.

Schedule of Events

10:00 a.m. – Ladybug release at the Butterfly Garden
10:00 a.m. – Pollinator  Puppet Show near the Naturally Wild Swap Shop
10:30 a.m. – Meet the Keeper Talk at Bug House
11:00 a.m. – Pollinator Puppet Show near the Naturally Wild Swap Shop
12:00 p.m. – Meet the Keeper Talk at Lemurs in Wortham World of Primates
12:00 p.m. – Pollinator Puppet Show near the Naturally Wild Swap Shop
1:00 p.m. – Meet the Keeper Talk at Bats in Natural Encounters (Sunday Only)
1:00 p.m. – Pollinator Puppet Show near the Naturally Wild Swap Shop
1:30 p.m. – Meet the Keeper Talk at Bats in John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo
2:00 p.m. – Meet the Keeper Talk at Bats in Natural Encounters (Saturday Only)
3:30 p.m. – Meet the Keeper Talk at Lemurs in Wortham World of Primates

Meet the Keeper Talks are presented by Phillips 66.

Pollinator Q & A

Which animals are pollinators?

Most people think of pollinators as butterflies or bees, but pollinators come in all shapes and sizes. Ring-tailed lemurs, bats, hummingbirds, and even ants are also pollinators.

Are pollinators in danger?

Pesticides widely used in gardens and on farms are having a negative effect on pollinators such as bees. Learn more about pollinators and what’s harming them on the Houston Zoo Blog.

What You Can Do to Help Pollinators

• Plant flowering plants in your backyard to attract bees and butterflies – monarch butterflies are fond of milkweed.
• Use ladybugs, a natural insecticide, instead of chemicals when treating your garden.
• Provide food and water for pollinators, for example, hang a hummingbird feeder.