In Swahili, asante means thank you.

And we cannot say thanks enough in any language to our donor club members who provide significant support to Houston Zoo through their annual Asante Society membership.

Fun at Asante Events

Asante Society Membership Includes

Private Tour

Only Asante members get this kind of access. With a private tour each year you’re a member, you can learn more about your favorite animals directly from our zookeepers. Don’t worry about parking – we’ll reserve a VIP spot for your tour.

Exclusive Events

From cocktail parties to a family-friendly preview of TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights, Asante members enjoy unique events throughout the year. You might even get to see new improvements to the Zoo before the public!

baby Masai giraffe with adult giraffes standing behind it

Unlimited Admission

Bring your whole herd! Your Asante membership includes unlimited complimentary admission to Houston Zoo for you and up to 9 guests for a full year. There’s no better way to share the Zoo with family and friends.

FOUR MEMBERSHIP LEVELS TO CHOOSE FROM

Bronze Member - $1,200-$2,499 annual donation

All premium benefits listed plus:

One Bronze-level private tour for household** Includes VIP parking space
Invitation for two (2) to Spring and Fall Asante cocktail receptions

Fair Market Value $100

** Household is defined as member(s) and children of the household under age 18. Age and party size restrictions apply to some tours. All tours must be scheduled three weeks in advance, are for one Zoo area, weekdays only, are non-transferable, and must be taken during your year of Asante Society membership. Tours cannot be scheduled on holidays or during Spring Break.

Silver Member - $2,500-$4,999 annual donation

All premium benefits listed plus:

One Silver-level private tour for household** Includes VIP parking space
Invitation for four (4) to Spring and Fall Asante cocktail receptions
Four (4) complimentary one-time-use general admission passes to Zoo Lights

Fair Market Value $240

** Household is defined as member(s) and children of the household under age 18. Age and party size restrictions apply to some tours. All tours must be scheduled three weeks in advance, are for one Zoo area, weekdays only, are non-transferable, and must be taken during your year of Asante Society membership. Tours cannot be scheduled on holidays or during Spring Break.

Gold Member - $5,000-$9,999 annual donation

All premium benefits listed plus:

One Gold-level private tour for household** Includes VIP parking space
Invitation for four (4) to Spring and Fall Asante cocktail receptions
Six (6) complimentary one-time-use general admission passes to Zoo Lights
One 8 x 10 painting by a Houston Zoo animal artist

Fair Market Value $430

** Household is defined as member(s) and children of the household under age 18. Age and party size restrictions apply to some tours. All tours must be scheduled three weeks in advance, are for one Zoo area, weekdays only, are non-transferable, and must be taken during your year of Asante Society membership. Tours cannot be scheduled on holidays or during Spring Break.

Platinum Member - $10,000 + annual donation

All premium benefits listed plus:

One Platinum-level private tour for household** Includes VIP parking space
Invitation for four (4) to Spring and Fall Asante cocktail receptions
Eight (8) complimentary one-time-use general admission passes to Zoo Lights
Exclusive opportunity for four (4) to see a Houston Zoo animal artist in action. Includes 8 x 10 painting
Private lunch with a Houston Zoo executive

Fair Market Value $500

** Household is defined as member(s) and children of the household under age 18. Age and party size restrictions apply to some tours. All tours must be scheduled three weeks in advance, are for one Zoo area, weekdays only, are non-transferable, and must be taken during your year of Asante Society membership. Tours cannot be scheduled on holidays or during Spring Break.

2024 Asante Society Event Dates

Event dates and times are subject to change.

TXU Energy presents Zoo Lights Donor Night
Wednesday, December 11

Join the Asante Society

Please call (713) 533-6840 if you wish to join the Asante Society with a monthly gift.

Premium Benefits for all Asante Levels

Unlimited complimentary Zoo admission for you and up to nine (9) guests per visit
Invitation for two (2) to the annual Asante Society Night at the Zoo
Invitation to Spring and Fall Asante family events*
Unlimited carousel rides
Asante Society Zoo news alerts – be the first to know
Kid Keeper privilege – send your children to the Zoo with an adult caregiver
Priority registration for Camp Zoofari for children or grandchildren of the household
20% Zoo Store discount
Recognition in the Zoo’s annual report
10% discount on facility rentals for private events or meetings (does not include Zoo-wide events or catering)
Free or discounted admission to more than 150 Zoos across the nation (check Discounts with Other Zoos for current participants)

*Family event invitations are for Asante members and the children of their household under age 18.

COVID-19 update regarding private tours: Asante tour options are currently limited for the health and safety of our guests, staff, and animals. Please contact us directly for the latest information about tours. Thank you for your understanding.

Support The Future Of Your Houston Zoo

Your contribution plays an important role in the success of our core programs.

Animal Care – The Houston Zoo is home to thousands of ambassador animals representing more than 800 species from around the world. Your Asante Society gift helps provide naturalistic habitats, nutritious meals, exceptional veterinary care, and plenty of enriching activity.
Conservation – Your support ensures the continued success of the Zoo’s critical Wildlife Conservation Programs, both locally and internationally, to secure populations of endangered wildlife and protect vanishing wild places.
Education – Your donor club membership allows the Zoo to ignite a passion for lifelong learning and conservation in our 2.55 million+ annual guests.
Community Access – Asante Society contributions help the Zoo offer free access to schoolchildren and families in the Houston region to ensure we remain a Zoo for All.

Read our 2023 Annual Report

If you have any questions about the Asante Society or other ways to support Houston Zoo, call the Donor Hotline at (713) 533-6840 or e-mail us at development@houstonzoo.org.

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