This Indoor Rainforest In Texas Makes For A Wild Adventure Year-Round
By Katie Lawrence|Published January 19, 2019
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
You’ll find Moody Gardens at One Hope Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77554.
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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