General Info
What is Walk for the Wild?
Walk for the Wild is the Houston Zoo's annual 5k walk, with all fundraising supporting conservation efforts. Guests will enjoy a 5k walk through the Zoo, competitions to win exclusive Zoo prizes, and an After Party with family-friendly activities. There are competitions to earn fun prizes & Zoo experiences by fundraising & earning points. Individuals can earn Milestone Prizes for each fundraising milestone earned (while supplies last). Each participant will receive an exclusive Walk for the Wild T-Shirt, admission to the Zoo for the day, and access to the Walk for the Wild After Party.
Where is Walk for the Wild?
Walk for the Wild takes place inside of the Houston Zoo, located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive Houston TX 77030.
Registration
What is happening January 16-April 15?
This is when you will register for Walk for the Wild, create your customizable fundraising page, and then begin fundraising and earning points.
What is happening April 21?
This is when you can participate in a 5k here at the Houston Zoo! Join us for an early morning of walking, animals, and an after party with family-friendly activities.
Can I register at Walk for the Wild on April 21?
No, registration can only be done online prior to the event. We will not be processing registrations the day of Walk for the Wild April 21.
How much will it cost to participate in Walk for the Wild?
Early Bird Pricing will be available from January 16-February 6. Early Bird Pricing is $55/adult and $35/child. Regular pricing will be available from February 6-April 15. Regular pricing is $60/adult, and $40/child. Register before February 6 to secure your Early Bird Pricing!
I want to register my company / employees for Walk for the Wild, is there an easier way to register a large group at once?
Please contact development@houstonzoo.org and we can provide an alternative way to register a group!
Can I register with my family?
Yes! We encourage you to start a team for your family. When you start the registration process, you can add additional registrants before you checkout.
Do I need to register my child for Walk for the Wild?
Children ages 3-9 fall under the “Child” pricing. Children ages 10 & up fall under “Adult” pricing. Children aged 2 & under should be added to your registration under the "Infant" registration free of charge.
What if I want to participate virtually?
Virtual registration is available for $35/person and includes an exclusive Walk for the Wild t-shirt & wristband. Please note, if you choose the virtual registration option you are not able to attend Walk for the Wild on April 21, and your shirt can be picked up at the Walk for the Wild t-shirt pickup or will be shipped after Walk for the Wild on April 21.
Can spectators attend the event?
Anyone that would like to enter the Zoo for Walk for the Wild must be registered for the event. There will be no spectators permitted.
T-Shirts
How early do I need to register to guarantee I receive a t-shirt?
Register by March 23 to guarantee that you receive a t-shirt in your preferred size. However, we recommend you register as early as possible so you can get started fundraising & earning milestone prizes!
When will I get my T-shirt?
Walk for the Wild t-shirts can be picked up at T-shirt Pickup (April 18), at Walk for the Wild on April 21 at check-in, or can be shipped to your address for an additional fee. Shirts will be shipped the week of April 15, and you will receive them by the walk on April 21.
Please note, t-shirts will not be available for pickup after Walk for the Wild.
I registered for multiple people-can our shirts all be shipped to different addresses?
If you registered for more than 1 participant, all shirts will be shipped to the address of the participant that registered them. If you need shirts shipped to different addresses, registrations (and shipping fees), will all need to be processed separately.
What is the last day I can register and still be able to get my shirts shipped?
Registrations processed before March 21 are eligible for shipping. Any registrations processed after March 21 will pick up their shirts at T-Shirt Pickup or Walk for the Wild.
When will I receive my shirt if I chose to have it shipped to my address?
Walk for the Wild shirts will be delivered the week of April 15, please keep an eye on your mailbox. You can contact us at development@houstonzoo.org with any questions or concerns.
Can I exchange my t-shirt size?
Shirt sizes cannot be exchanged. Please check that you received the correct size when you pick up your shirt(s).
Can I get a shirt for my child that is under the age of 2?
If you would like a shirt for your child, please register them at the “Child” price. We will not be providing shirts for children under age 2 that are registered as infants.
Can I buy more shirts at Walk for the Wild?
We will not be selling additional shirts at Walk for the Wild on April 21.
Fundraising
Why should I fundraise?
Each dollar you raise earns you points that can help you win competitions like the Top Point Earner and Top Fundraiser! You can also earn milestone rewards as you hit fundraising goals. Check out the prize page to see prizes available. In addition, your fundraising helps to save animals all over the world. These funds go directly to the Zoo's conservation partners that are working every day to save animals in the wild.
How much do I need to fundraise?
There is no minimum, but we challenge each team to raise $2,500 and each individual to raise $250. Raising more than these amounts will give you the opportunity to win exclusive Houston Zoo prizes and experiences!
If my team reached a milestone, do we all get a prize?
Milestone prizes are only for individual fundraising milestones, not teams. However, the top overall team will receive FILL IN PRIZE DETAILS HERE
Does my registration fee apply toward Milestone Rewards or Fundraising Goals?
No. Registration fees are not counted toward fundraising goals or Milestone Rewards. Any dollar raised in addition to your registration fee is counted toward your goals and can earn your Milestone Rewards!
What if someone mistakenly makes a general donation to Walk for the Wild instead of on behalf of an individual or team?
Please contact development@houstonzoo.org with the donors name and we can get the gift assigned to you.
What if I have checks or cash?
Please mail in any contributions to Houston Zoo, Attn: Development, 1513 Cambridge, Houston, TX 77030. Please make sure you put Walk for the Wild and your participant's name in the memo line of the check or on a note with your cash. These totals will be added to your fundraising page.
Does Walk for the Wild accept matching gifts?
Yes! Please check with your employer regarding matching gifts. Matching gift forms can be sent to development@houstonzoo.org
Sponsorship
Are there Sponsorship Opportunities available?
Yes! We have sponsorship opportunities available starting at $2,500. Please contact Madison Thompson at mthompson@houstonzoo.org with questions regarding sponsorship opportunities and benefits.
Walk Day
What time is Walk for the Wild?
Walk for the Wild check-in will begin on April 21, at 7:00 AM at 6200 Hermann Park Drive. The walk will begin at 8:00 AM, and guests will enjoy the After Party after they complete the walk until 10:00 AM. Check-in for Walk for the Wild will close at 9:00 AM.
What is the path for Walk for the Wild?
Walk for the Wild will take place inside the Houston Zoo! The 5K route is (4) laps through the Zoo, starting at the Zoo's main entrance and ending at the Walk for the Wild After Party at Masihara Pavilion.
Will breakfast be provided?
We will provide a light breakfast & refreshments for Walk for the Wild participants to enjoy at the Walk for the Wild After Party.
Are strollers, wagons, and wheelchairs allowed?
Yes! Strollers, wagons and wheelchairs can be used during Walk for the Wild and will be available for rent. Scooters, bicycles, rollerblades and skateboards will not be allowed.
What should I leave at home when I come to Walk for the Wild?
Radios, CD players, whistles, noisemakers, and inflatable objects (beach balls, balloons, etc.).
Is Walk for the Wild dog-friendly?
Only registered service animals can join Walk for the Wild. If you plan to bring your service animal, please allow extra time to get them checked-in with our Safety and Security office (located to the right of the Houston Zoo's main entrance).
Can I run the Walk for the Wild 5k?
For the safety of our animals and guests, participants will only be able to walk the 5k. This is not a timed race, and people of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate!
I can't make it to Walk for the Wild anymore, can I get a refund on my registration fee?
Walk for the Wild registration fees are non-refundable.
I can't make it to Walk for the Wild anymore, can someone walk in my place?
Walk for the Wild registration fees are non-transferable.
It looks like it's going to rain on April 21, is the event still happening?
Yes! Walk for the Wild is rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, we will contact you with any changes.
Competitions and Prizes
Can I win prizes or rewards if I am not local to Houston?
Yes! All prizes can be awarded and redeemed virtually if desired. Animal encounters & keeper interactions can be fulfilled over Zoom, and physical prizes like tickets can be mailed to the winner.
When can I pickup my Milestone Rewards?
Milestone Rewards can be picked up at t-shirt pickup or at Walk for the Wild on April 21. Prizes will not be available for pickup after April 21.
When will the competition winners be announced?
Competition winners will be notified via email no later than April 30, 2024.
How do I know if I can win Individual or Team prizes?
Individuals are participants that are members of a team but can still earn individual prizes. Teams cannot earn individual prizes, but each member of the team is a participant and can earn individual prizes.
Are there any restrictions for prizes?
Prizes can be awarded virtually if the winner is not local. Prizes and rewards are given to individuals for meeting their individual goals, not to teams, except for the overall top fundraising team prize. All animal & keeper interaction prizes will be scheduled on a mutually agreed upon date by the Houston Zoo and the winner, which is on weekdays between 9:00 AM-2:00 PM and must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance. Tours cannot be scheduled on weekends, holidays, or during Spring Break. All animal interactions are for four (4) individuals and children must be accompanied by an adult. Prizes may not be combined with any other auction item or event. All prizes must be redeemed by April 21, 2025, are non-transferrable, are subject to COVID-19 regulations, and are subject to change based on the health & safety of our animals as determined by our animal care teams.
Who do I contact with additional questions?