What is Walk for the Wild?
Bring your Herd as we Walk for the Wild! Guests will enjoy a 5k walk through the Zoo, competitions to win exclusive Zoo prizes, and an After Party with family-friendly activities. There will be both individual and team fundraising competitions, recruiting competitions, social media competitions, and point competitions. Those who earn the most points will win exclusive Zoo prizes & experiences. Individuals can also 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.
What is happening January 16-April 17?
This is when you will register, create your customizable fundraising page, and then begin fundraising! You can compete by raising funds as an individual or as a team.
What is happening April 23?
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 the day of the event?
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 23.
What time is Walk for the Wild?
Walk for the Wild check-in will begin on April 23, 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 of the Houston Zoo! The 5K route is (4) laps through the Zoo, with the finish line being the After Party at Masihara Pavilion.
How much will it cost to participate in Walk for the Wild?
Early Bird Pricing will be available from January 16-February 20. Early Bird Pricing is $50/adult and $30/child. Regular pricing will be available from February 21-April 17. Regular pricing is $55/adult, and $35/child. Register before February 20 to secure your Early Bird Pricing!
Please note, children ages 2 and under do not need to be registered. Children ages 3 & up need to be registered.
Are there any discounts or discount codes for registration?
Because Walk for the Wild is a fundraising event, we do not provide any discounts or discount codes for registration. All registration fees & fundraising efforts will help care for animals here at the Houston Zoo and help support conservation efforts to save animals in the wild.
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 23.
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!
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.
Can I register with my family?
Yes! We encourage you to start a team for your family. You may also register as an individual and you will be prompted to add additional registrants during the registration process.
Do I need to register my child that is under age 2?
Children age 2 & under do not need to be registered for Walk for the Wild. Children ages 3 & up must be registered to attend.
Are strollers 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 for 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!
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. However, we recommend you register as early as possible so you can get started fundraising & earning milestone prizes! There will also be early-bird pricing available for those who register before February 20.
When will I get my T-shirt?
Walk for the Wild t-shirts can be picked up April 18 and 20 from 7:30 AM-5:00 PM. T-shirts can also be picked up at Walk for the Wild on April 23 at check-in.
Please note, t-shirts will not be available for pickup after Walk for the Wild.
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 a Meet & Greet with an Ambassador Animal at Walk for the Wild!
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!
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-transferable and non-refundable.
I can't make it to Walk for the Wild anymore, can someone walk in my place?
Please contact development@houstonzoo.org so we can register the new participant.
It looks like it's going to rain on April 23, is the event still happening?
Yes! Walk for the Wild is rain or shine.
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 will the competition winners be announced?
Competition winners will be notified via email no later than April 30, 2023.
How do I know if I'm an Individual, a Participant or a Team?
Participants are individuals that are members of a team but can still earn individual prizes. Teams cannot earn individual prizes, but each member of the team is an individual and can earn individual prizes.
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.
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 team fundraising 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. 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 23, 2024, 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?