There are surprisingly quite a few places where you can see exotic animals in Texas, but all are unmatched by the number and diversity of the creatures at Moody Gardens. The rainforest pyramid is home to some of the world’s most unique flora and fauna, many of which are endangered species. You’ll be hard pressed to find a better rainforest replica in the entire country.
Open 365 days a year, this 1.5-million gallon pyramid houses some of the world’s most exotic animals. Embark on an enchanting journey to the rainforests of Asia, Africa, and the Americas without ever leaving Texas.
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You’ll ascend ten floors, each one featuring different creatures. Colorful birds can be found throughout the exhibit, singing sweet songs and soaring high above the forest canopy.
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Other birds can be marveled at from a much closer viewpoint. You could easily spend all day just watching them interact with one another.
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The butterfly garden is an absolutely magical experience, with millions of the little critters flitting about and occasionally landing to munch on fruit. Pro-tip: bring in a packet of sugar from the dining area and sprinkle some on your finger to attract them! You’ll feel just like Snow White.
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Free-roaming animals are the hardest to locate, but the search is beyond worth it. At least sloths don’t get around much, so once you find one, it’s almost guaranteed to stay put for pictures and admiration.
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You’ll definitely want to get up close and personal with the Saki Monkeys. These funny-looking creatures are known for being extremely shy, so approach with caution!
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Unique appearances aren’t limited to monkeys. The loris is an adorable bug-eyed primate, but don’t let its cuteness fool you - it excretes a toxin from its elbows that can be deadly to humans.
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In addition to animals, over 1,000 species of exotic plants reside in the pyramid. The endangered Corpse Flower gives off a putrid, rotten odor upon blooming, which is how its name was derived. Don’t forget to hold your nose!
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The Rainforest Pyramid is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Click here to buy tickets and browse through the other attractions at Moody Gardens.
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You’ll find Moody Gardens at One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554.
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Have you ever been to the Rainforest Pyramid? What’s your favorite place to see exotic animals in Texas? We think this elephant preserve is pretty magical.
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