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THE HOUSTON ZOO HAS A NEW RESIDENT
And it’s not an Animal

(09/12/2011)


(HOUSTON) September 12, 2011 … The Houston Zoo is home to more than 6,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The Zoo’s lush tropical landscape features hundreds of exotic species as well. Beginning today Houston Zoo guests will see one of the most exotic species of all.

The Houston Zoo is proud to welcome Pewtunia the Corpse Flower to The African Forest. In a few days Zoo guests won’t have any trouble finding Pewtunia. All they have to do is follow their noses to her new home near the Koolookamba Cave along the Forest Walk in The African Forest.

“We expect Pewtunia to bloom and to begin emitting the Corpse Flower’s unmistakable and characteristic odor in 7 to 10 days,” said Houston Zoo Horticulture Manager Joe Williams.

Houston Zoo horticulture experts will be on hand throughout the week to answer guests’ questions at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day during informative Meet Pewtunia Talks in The African Forest. Guests may follow Pewtunia’s progress on the Houston Zoo website’s home page at www.houstonzoo.org, on Twitter @HoustonZoo and on the Houston Zoo’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/houstonzoo.

Seven years old, Pewtunia weighs 19 pounds and stands 35 inches tall, but she’s growing rapidly. “Corpse Flowers are really amazing plants. Pewtunia added 4 inches in height in just one day last weekend. By the time she blooms she’ll be between 4 and 6 feet tall,” said Williams.

About Pewtunia

Native to Western Sumatra, the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) was discovered by Italian naturalist Odoardo Beccari in 1878. Also known as Carrion Plant, Titan Arum, and Voodoo Lily, the Corpse Flower’s distinctive odor serves as an attractant for pollinators. Pollinated in the wild by Carrion Beetles and Blow Flies, it was once thought that elephants pollinated the plants.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922, the Houston Zoo is an exciting live animal adventure that provides a unique educational and conservation resource serving more than 1.8 million guests annually. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the Zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. Visitors can experience the wonders of Africa at The African Forest, the new 6.5 acre, $40 million addition featuring chimps, rhinos, and giraffes. Travel to Africa. No Passport Required.

The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The Zoo is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during Central Standard Time (last admission at 5 p.m.) and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. during Central Daylight Time (last admission at 6 p.m.). The Zoo is closed Christmas Day. Regular admission is $12 for adults, $6.50 for seniors, $8 for children ages 2-11 and FREE for children under 2. Visit the courtesy booth at your neighborhood Fiesta Mart and purchase an adult Zoo admission for $10 and a child Zoo admission for $7. Zoo memberships start at only $55. For information on all the great benefits of becoming a Zoo member call (713) 533-6713 or visit our Web site at www.houstonzoo.org.

Ride METRORail to the Houston Zoo from the Fannin South Park and Ride lot. With frequent service, METRORail is a convenient answer to traffic congestion in the Texas Medical Center/Hermann Park/Museum District corridor. For METRORail information, visit www.ridemetro.org.

Operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity.

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.





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