Sherlyn Santibanez sells tickets to a man who is visiting Mythical Realms with his family.
The Houston Zoo, in collaboration with TXU Energy, has opened Mythical Realms, an exhibit that brings dragons, unicorns, and other creatures from folklore to life.
In earlier collaborations with TXU Energy, the zoo has hosted Zoo Lights, Back-to-Zoo Days, and last year’s Jurassic Giants exhibit.
Sherlyn Santibanez, who works in admissions at the Mythical Realms ticket booth, said so far, the exhibit has “been more popular than the dinosaurs that [the zoo] had last year” in the Jurassic Giants exhibit.
Santibanez said Mythical Realms has been very popular with kids and families, who are the most common visitors.
When they visit Mythical Realms, guests can interact with fictional beasts from ancient cultures and modern day species from around the world.
One of the animals featured, the Komodo Dragon, is currently known as an endangered species. Mythical Realms supports conservation of species like these through admissions fees.
Admission to Mythical Realms, which has many ticket package options, always includes a $2.00 donation to the Houston Zoo’s conservation mission and a conservation wristband for guests.
Santibanez said the zoo is doing well in their conservation fundraising through Mythical Realms. She also says the zoo is doing well in taking feedback from visitors, which makes this exhibit “even better” than last year’s temporary exhibit
Mythical Realms is open now through Sept. 7. Tickets are available for purchase at the Houston Zoo and on their website.