“Free First Tuesdays” at the Houston Zoo, Brought to You by Reliant, an NRG Company

The Houston Zoo and Reliant are going wild! Together they have teamed up to extend the “Free First Tuesdays” program into 2017, giving visitors regular access to the park free of charge. Recognized for a ninth consecutive year of record attendance, the Houston Zoo attracted 2.5 million visitors in 2016.

“The Houston Zoo is one of those iconic destinations cherished by Houstonians and visitors alike,” said Elizabeth Killinger, president, Reliant and NRG Retail. “It’s also the perfect place for families to experience the great outdoors right in the heart of the city. That’s why we support the Houston Zoo, as it helps connect people with nature and is one of the reasons Houston is a world-class city.”

On the first Tuesday of each month, visitors receive free zoo admission from noon until close. Guests may get a ticket to enter at the zoo gate or order online ahead of time. To avoid overcrowding, June, July, August and December are not included.

There’s another reason to visit the Houston Zoo this spring, as they will open their expanded McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. The habitat doubles the existing space and features a boardwalk with an unobstructed view of the elephants’ 130,000-gallon pool and expanded yard.

“Our mission at the Houston Zoo is to connect communities with animals, inspiring action to save wildlife,” said Nick Espinosa, vice president of development, Houston Zoo. “Each and every day, the Houston Zoo creates lasting memories that inspire people to protect animals – both around the world and in their own backyards. As the only nonprofit, privately funded zoological park in the Texas Gulf Coast area, the Houston Zoo relies on generous community partners to provide annual operating, program and capital support. We couldn’t do what we do without Reliant, and look forward to a fun year of ‘Free First Tuesdays’ in 2017!”

Reliant and the Houston Zoo have joined forces on other projects in recent years, including the conversion of a fleet of 30 electric carts to emission-free solar-powered vehicles, which can run for 10-12 hours when fully charged. The conversion resulted in the ability to move feed, supplies and even animals around the park using renewable energy. Dozens of Reliant employees have also volunteered at the zoo to help maintain and preserve different animal exhibitions.

For more information about the zoo, visit www.houstonzoo.org.

About the Houston Zoo

Founded in 1922 and operated by the not-for-profit Houston Zoo, Inc., the Houston Zoo is dedicated to the conservation of endangered species, the provision of engaging educational opportunities and the creation of stimulating exhibits that broaden the experiences of our guests and encourage their curiosity. Set in a 55-acre lush tropical landscape, the zoo is home to more than 6,000 exotic animals representing more than 800 species. The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive in beautiful Hermann Park. The zoo is open daily at 9 a.m. and closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. www.houstonzoo.org

The Houston Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With 223 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

About Reliant, an NRG company

Reliant brings electricity, smart energy solutions and home services to business and residential customers across Texas. Reliant is part of NRG Energy, Inc. (NYSE: NRG), a Fortune 200 company that is at the forefront of changing how people think about, buy and use energy. Backed by a diverse portfolio of nearly 140 power generating facilities that can support millions of homes and businesses nationwide, NRG’s retail companies, including Reliant, deliver electricity and home security services and serve almost 3 million customers in 10 states and the District of Columbia. NRG retail brands collectively are the largest providers of electricity in Texas. For more information about Reliant products and services, please visit reliant.com and connect with Reliant on Facebook at facebook.com/reliantenergy and Twitter @reliantenergy. PUCT Certificate #10007.

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