samagon Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Wow, we now have another rail line with a connecting station!! you may want to state 'light' rail, as it could be confusing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Wow, is all i can say! It is a MAJOR pain in the butt to get to it during the weekends! Not just traffic/construction but the lot fills up and they close it. In the past 4 years i have been turned away atleast 6 times. I know they say take the rail but everytime i do the lot is managable and open!This is a conspiracy. The truth is out there... somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted November 18, 2009 Share Posted November 18, 2009 Most people aren't going to know that... if they take the light rail they are going to go to the "Houston Zoo" station since it says... "Houston Zoo"! They need to add "Houston Zoo weekday / alternative" to the name of the Hermann Park light rail station. :sigh: It looks like central planning missed this one too. Ugh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Most people aren't going to know that... if they take the light rail they are going to go to the "Houston Zoo" station since it says... "Houston Zoo"! They need to add "Houston Zoo weekday / alternative" to the name of the Hermann Park light rail station. This happened to me. I thought the Houston Zoo stop took you to the zoo, but the zoo is at least a half a mile a way. As I left I still could not find a light rail station close to the zoo so I walked to the museum district area. So does the rail not go nearer to the zoo than the zoo station? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 (edited) This happened to me. I thought the Houston Zoo stop took you to the zoo, but the zoo is at least a half a mile a way. As I left I still could not find a light rail station close to the zoo so I walked to the museum district area. So does the rail not go nearer to the zoo than the zoo station?There's a light rail station in the med center between Cambridge (formerly N. MacGregor) and Ross Sterling, a nice short walk. You went to the museum district station? Isn't that further away than the Hermann Park station? Edited November 19, 2009 by JLWM8609 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 (edited) This happened to me. I thought the Houston Zoo stop took you to the zoo, but the zoo is at least a half a mile a way. As I left I still could not find a light rail station close to the zoo so I walked to the museum district area. So does the rail not go nearer to the zoo than the zoo station?that's why they want to make money on the "new" hermann park train because metro's doesn't because of the inconvenience. good friend works there and 94% or so enters from the other gate. Edited November 19, 2009 by musicman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 that's why they want to make money on the "new" hermann park train because metro's doesn't because of the inconvenience. good friend works there and 94% or so enters from the other gate. I was riding the kiddie train the other day with my 3 year old niece and noticed folks were boarding from near the light rail station. The folks just got on the train and didn't appear to pay but I'm sure they had to pay at the main station or something. I then heard murmurs from riders saying "I could've boarded here for free?" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I was riding the kiddie train the other day with my 3 year old niece and noticed folks were boarding from near the light rail station. The folks just got on the train and didn't appear to pay but I'm sure they had to pay at the main station or something. I then heard murmurs from riders saying "I could've boarded here for free?" To be honest, how many people do you really think pay to ride the train? Its only scary every once in awhile when one of those METRO cops is on there asking to see tickets. Thats the bad think about the way METRO built its system you can easily get no for free. In other cities I have been to they make sure you pay because you have to go through the turnstyles. But let me get back to the Houston Zoo Station. Why did they name it that when it really doesn't take you to the Zoo. They should have buses waiting for people wanting to go to the zoo. I also walked to an entrance that was not open during that day of the week (the one with the big elephant metal statue) and had to walk a long way to get in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
musicman Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 But let me get back to the Houston Zoo Station. Why did they name it that when it really doesn't take you to the Zoo. They should have buses waiting for people wanting to go to the zoo. I also walked to an entrance that was not open during that day of the week (the one with the big elephant metal statue) and had to walk a long way to get in.that's why they supposedly added the entrance in the back but it's just not utilized. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JLWM8609 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 To be honest, how many people do you really think pay to ride the train? I was talking about the kiddie train, not the light rail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
citykid09 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 that's why they supposedly added the entrance in the back but it's just not utilized.Well they need better signs or something. Its probably okay for locals, but for tourist its a turn off not to know the zoo is actually far away from the zoo rail station. ts false advertising! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Well they need better signs or something. Its probably okay for locals, but for tourist its a turn off not to know the zoo is actually far away from the zoo rail station. ts false advertising!Once in the zoo, you're going to walk a good two or three miles anyhow, if not more. I don't understand why anyone is complaining about the quarter mile extra they'll have to walk to the entrance from one train stop vs another. Hell, you'll be lucky to park as close as either train stop on a busy day anyhow. Plus, if that extra little bit of time added to your jaunt is more than you can physically handle, then perhaps you don't need to go to a zoo in the first place, an air conditioned gym next door to a Jenny Craig outlet and a Hoveround store perhaps, but not the zoo. Your earlier recommendation about putting in bus service to connect the rail stop to the zoo entrance is just ridiculous. I really hope that suggestion was made in jest. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Well they need better signs or something. Its probably okay for locals, but for tourist its a turn off not to know the zoo is actually far away from the zoo rail station. ts false advertising!They can't. They are incompetent. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highway6 Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Attica.. seriously. You can't possibly expect them to walk the 1/4 mile to the zoo entrance without an urban tunnel can you ?? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 Attica.. seriously. You can't possibly expect them to walk the 1/4 mile to the zoo entrance without an urban tunnel can you ??I know. It was stupid of me to ask so much. Perhaps we should air condition the zoo and install those moving walkways like they have at the airport too. Better yet, instead of moving walkways, perhaps they can come equipped with seats. Lord knows I don't like lookin' at a hippopotamus' blubbery butt unless I'm sittin' on my own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 (edited) Once in the zoo, you're going to walk a good two or three miles anyhow, if not more. I don't understand why anyone is complaining about the quarter mile extra they'll have to walk to the entrance from one train stop vs another. Hell, you'll be lucky to park as close as either train stop on a busy day anyhow. Plus, if that extra little bit of time added to your jaunt is more than you can physically handle, then perhaps you don't need to go to a zoo in the first place, an air conditioned gym next door to a Jenny Craig outlet and a Hoveround store perhaps, but not the zoo. Your earlier recommendation about putting in bus service to connect the rail stop to the zoo entrance is just ridiculous. I really hope that suggestion was made in jest.you only have to walk as far as the place to rent the electric wheelchair/scooter thingy. Edited November 19, 2009 by samagon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted November 19, 2009 Share Posted November 19, 2009 I know. It was stupid of me to ask so much. Perhaps we should air condition the zoo and install those moving walkways like they have at the airport too. Better yet, instead of moving walkways, perhaps they can come equipped with seats. Lord knows I don't like lookin' at a hippopotamus' blubbery butt unless I'm sittin' on my own.In the late 60's or early 70's, there was a train-tram type of thing that took you around the Houston zoo, like the one Astroworld used to have to drop you off at the front gates. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Don't forget folks, free zoo day on Friday. Get there early before the good parking spots are taken (but not earlier than me - I'd hate to have to walk far). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTAWACS Posted November 26, 2009 Share Posted November 26, 2009 Don't forget folks, free zoo day on Friday. Get there early before the good parking spots are taken (but not earlier than me - I'd hate to have to walk far). Just take the light rail. There is even a stop in front of the zoo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
foxmulder Posted July 14, 2010 Share Posted July 14, 2010 When I read this I was pretty excited! Sounds good for Houston.If you haven't gone...I suggest you go. I have a membership. I go 2-3 times a week (to exercise and see the animals)I went to the LA zoo and they had "BANK OF AMERICA" and numerous other sponsors around most displays(Yes, it's more expensive than ours.) Their are expenses...People think that they shouldn't pay for anything. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Subdude Posted July 14, 2010 Share Posted July 14, 2010 If you haven't gone...I suggest you go. I have a membership. I go 2-3 times a week (to exercise and see the animals)I went to the LA zoo and they had "BANK OF AMERICA" and numerous other sponsors around most displays(Yes, it's more expensive than ours.) Their are expenses...People think that they shouldn't pay for anything.I have never been to the Houston zoo. Zoos just seem depressing to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gto250us Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 I remember several years ago when Marvin Zindler found out that one of the snakes in the snake house was rubber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crunchtastic Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 I have never been to the Houston zoo. Zoos just seem depressing to me.Zoos sort of creep me out. The premise behind Planet of the Apes really messed with me as a child, and to this day, the idea of primates in captivity gives me the heeby jeebies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtticaFlinch Posted July 16, 2010 Share Posted July 16, 2010 Zoos sort of creep me out. The premise behind Planet of the Apes really messed with me as a child, and to this day, the idea of primates in captivity gives me the heeby jeebies.That was probably lice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NenaE Posted July 30, 2010 Share Posted July 30, 2010 The area for the savanna-type grounds looks like it will be huge. Much better idea than those small areas that the grazers are in, now. Wil be located at the back southeast side. Will be nice for them to have a place to really run. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gto250us Posted July 30, 2010 Share Posted July 30, 2010 Some years ago the Houston zoo had an interesting hippopotamus exhibit with a large pool and several regular size hippos, not the pygmy ones. Wonder why they got rid of it?That Hippo exhibit was too old school. It was a concrete pool inside a building. The Houston Zoo has been gradually replacing all of the old school exhibits with more natural habitat enclosures. The old Rhino enclosure was more natural but still it was just a big mud hole with a couple of huts for them to go into.I think that the new Savanna exhibit will be in the area where the old Children's section used to be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcus Allen Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Sorry everyone, I know I am going to sound like a dufus, but just came back from a day with my nephews at the zoo! I hadn't been in 20 years, being in LA all that time. (oh how much I missed! Sigh). Anyway, I am back to my hometown with a vengeance. And , wow! The HTown Zoo impressed the hell out of me! So different than I remember. but, I was wondering if Houston was missing an opportunity to create some sort of SD like Zoo on it's outskirts akin to a safari like experience? When it came to the small mammals, and reptiles, I think it was a beautiful representation of their habitats, but I went away feeling a bit sorry for the larger species. Am I being TOO California? Thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
democide Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Yes, you've been gone way too long. It's a zoo, built for your amusement, not the animals. Just kidding. Seriously though, sure it would be nice if they have more space, but what you're suggesting cost money. If private funds can be gathered to buy lot's of acreage so the animals are free to roam, and if private funds will maintain the land & facilities, that's fine. But I for one will not approve of any public funds going into such a project. So that's where it ends. So to recap, don't give the city any ideas like this, it's a bad idea, they'll run up the cost like crazy and use this as an excuse to raise taxes. Leave it up to individuals to fund and own. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naviguessor Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 Democide. Really now. It's a conversation started about zoos. Not about your tea party. Marcus...welcome back to town. I'm always flooed my mixed emotions at zoos. Some Animals will always seem uncomfortable in captivity. Especially in a city where space is an issue and economics are at play. Having a zoo in the periphery of the city could be a feasible & interesting idea for African habitats. But, I wonder if these animals were removed from Hermann Park, would that zoo survive. Then, if the whole zoo were up near the Woodlands, or out near Katy, would it be accessible enough, and have enough visitors to serve the whole population and/or be financially viable. Maybe Cathexis could turn the KBR site into a velt. Lol. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trymahjong Posted May 24, 2014 Share Posted May 24, 2014 (edited) Everyone makes good sense I guess still maybe this is where our rail line can be incorporated-- you start at the main campus and then the rail line would whisk you south--south enough to arrive at a large satellite campus that a different enclosed zoo tram could take you through to see animals in their natural habitat. People arriving in their cars at the satellite campus would be able to do it in reverse? Hmmmmmmm I like this idea but still sounds like a lot of money would be needed for transit and land -sigh Edited May 24, 2014 by trymahjong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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