Mayor John Whitmire Says Houston Zoo Is Too Expensive, Needs to Reduce Ticket Prices

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — It’s summer and the Houston Zoo is a popular spot. However, Mayor John Whitmire said it was too expensive and asked them to reduce ticket prices.

The mayor’s criticism was first reported by ABC13’s news partners at the Houston Chronicle.

Eyewitness News visited the park Monday morning to see what parents think about the prices.

Several people said a zoo membership is the way to go if you visit often.

“If you only pay for one ticket each time, yes, it’s expensive,” said Rikki Davis, who was visiting the zoo with her family.

The Houston Zoo offers dynamic pricing, which means you’ll see different prices depending on when you want to visit and when you book tickets.

As of Monday morning, it would have cost about $130 to get two adults and two children through the door.

In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Whitmire says it’s just too much money. He calls on the zoo to cut costs and questions the salaries of top administrators.

Some people agree with him.

“There are a lot of families who maybe can’t afford it, so I think they should lower the prices,” said José Cruz, who also visits the zoo with his family.

“I think visitors would come more if it was a little cheaper,” Davis added.

In a statement to ABC13 regarding the mayor’s comments, Jackie Wallace of the Houston Zoo said, in part, the following:

“We strongly disagree with his assessments and look forward to continuing this in-person conversation with the Mayor soon.

As a zoo for everyone, the Houston Zoo offers many ways for people from all socioeconomic backgrounds to enjoy the zoo. »

A family can purchase a zoo membership for $300 a year, which many say is the best deal if you plan to visit multiple times.

“They obviously have your day pass, which is quite expensive, but you have the membership option, which is $300 for the whole year, and if you’re a mom like me who comes every week, it’s not nothing,” Sydni Gordon told ABC13.

The mayor says he plans to speak with the current zoo director soon.

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