Houston Zoo

Houston, Texas

We have conducted numerous front-end and summative evaluations of exhibits for the Zoo including:

  • Texas Wetlands

  • Galapagos Islands

  • South America’s Pantanal

  • Birds of the World

Each evaluation started with collaborative planning sessions with Zoo staff to identify priorities for the evaluation. Data collection methods included visitor surveys, visitor intercept-interviews, timing and tracking, and enhanced exhibit interviews. Evaluation results have informed decision-making about both exhibit design and interpretation.

Exhibit Evaluations

We have supported the Zoo in understanding outcomes and impacts of their conservation education programs including:

  • SPARK guest engagements

  • Teen Zoo Crew

  • Saving Wildlife School Partnerships

  • Camp Zoofari

Program evaluations began by revisiting program tools such as logic models to identify intended outcomes and impacts. Conversations with staff further honed areas of inquiry. Each program evaluation applied mixed-methods, balancing quantitative and qualitative data to gain the richest insights. Some evaluations included participatory methods such as storyboards and PhotoVoice to empower program participants to share their perspectives in an authentic and engaging manner.

Program Evaluations

Our journey with Houston Zoo began in 2017 with an evaluation capacity building effort to develop conservation education staff’s evaluation knowledge and skills. Since then, we continue to provide technical expertise and support evaluation efforts with various teams at the Zoo. Most recently we completed:

  • Organizational culture survey (2024, 2025)

  • Donor engagement survey

Staff Support

“More than consultants, Inform are our partners and sounding board when it comes to any evaluation project we wish to conduct. They are supremely knowledgeable, thoughtful, and care just as much for our organization as we do.”

- Melissa Wong, Senior Director of Conservation Education

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