Peter Riger, a leader of conservation for the Houston Zoo, left his mark on people and projects around the world
Peter Riger was the Houston Zoo’s Vice President of Conservation and Education, managing an international network of projects and partnerships. KPRC 2 was fortunate to get to know him over the last several years through our documentary work with the zoo.
Giant tortoises, penguins, sea turtles: See how Houstonians are helping save animals in the Galápagos Islands
As families file into the Houston Zoo to experience the new Galápagos Islands habitat, they’re making a difference for conservation efforts around the globe. Funding that comes in from guests allows the Zoo to support projects that are saving wildlife. Members of our KPRC 2 team traveled with the Houston Zoo to the Galápagos Islands ahead of the opening of the new exhibit and witnessed firsthand what’s being done to save giant tortoises, sea turtles, sea lions, marine iguanas, and penguins.
Day 1: Journey to the Galápagos Islands with the Houston Zoo
Our journey with the Houston Zoo to the Galápagos Islands started early in the morning Friday. 6 a.m. breakfast, 7 a.m. pick up from our hotel in Quito and it was off to the airport, again. We had flown into Quito, Ecuador from Houston the evening before and caught a few hours of sleep before embarking on the final leg of our trip which would take us to Galápagos for our first day on the Islands.
Day 1: Journey to the Galápagos Islands with the Houston Zoo
Our journey with the Houston Zoo to the Galápagos Islands started early in the morning Friday. 6 a.m. breakfast, 7 a.m. pick up from our hotel in Quito and it was off to the airport, again. We had flown into Quito, Ecuador from Houston the evening before and caught a few hours of sleep before embarking on the final leg of our trip which would take us to Galápagos for our first day on the Islands.
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Saving Wildlife: Texas special on KPRC2
HOUSTON Learn how your family can save interesting animals across our state in our KPRC2 special, 'Saving Wildlife: Texas.' In Saving Wildlife: Texas, anchors Keith Garvin, Sofia Ojeda, and Courtney Zavala and their children team up with the Houston Zoo to learn about the wildlife around our state and whats being done to make sure those animals dont disappear forever. Whooping cranes are one of three species highlighted in the new Katherine G. McGovern Texas Wetlands habitat at the Houston Zoo. Courtesy Getty ImagesCourtesy Getty ImagesBALD EAGLESThe bald eagle in the Texas Wetlands at the Houston Zoo is named Sally Ride. The Houston Zoo supports the Texas Black Bear Alliance and has created bear sighting signs that are posted across our state.
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Saving Wildlife: From Houston to the Pantanal
We're told he has the best eyes for spotting wildlife as we drive through the Pantanal. Day Five: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2019We woke up hopeful Arnaud and Gabriel had a successful night at the giant armadillo burrow. We were told it could take several days for a giant armadillo to enter the trap. There's a sign in the lab to tally the number of people who've seen a giant armadillo at Baia das Pedras since 2010. This particular giant armadillo has a tracking device implanted, but it only sends a signal for four hours in the morning.
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Saving Wildlife: From Houston to the Pantanal
With the help of Peter Riger from the Houston Zoo and a Brazilian man who had been sent to pick us up, the airline assured Andy his bag would come on the very next flight. Friday, Sept. 27, 2019Its 10 p.m. in Houston and I'm starting to write from the plane sitting at Bush Intercontinental Airport. The plane just lifted off and we're officially on our way to the Pantanal in Brazil. We're in good company with two members of the Houston Zoo team. Once on the ground in Brazil, well meet with people who are working every day to save wildlife in the region and whose efforts are supported by the Houston Zoo.
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KPRC2′s journey to Borneo to save the wildlife
(The leech that surprised me yesterday in the shower at the Field Center was much more freaky.) We headed back up the river ready for dinner and an evening walk through the woods near the Field Center. DAY 4It's now Monday afternoon at the Danau Girang Field Center in the middle of the jungle in Borneo. We landed in Sandakan, Malaysia and were greeted by team members from the Field Center where we are staying. As for the water, Houston Zoo social media guy Ryan is also apparently pretty good at bailing water.
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Watch KPRC2′s ‘Saving Madagascar’ special
HOUSTON – KPRC2 and the Houston Zoo are proud to bring you the special, 'Saving Madagascar.' KPRC2's Rachel McNeill and her family traveled to the exotic island filled with animals not found anywhere else in the world. The people of Madagascar need help too. [PHOTOS: Exploring Madagascar's wildlife at the Houston Zoo]In 'Saving Madagascar,' you'll learn about the dangers threatening families and wildlife and how you and the Houston Zoo can help save the island. [PHOTOS: Exploring Madagascar]Click here to learn more about the Houston Zoo’s Saving Wildlife programs.
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'Saving Gorillas: From Houston to Rwanda' special on KPRC 2
HOUSTON In case you missed our special "Saving Gorillas: From Houston to Rwanda," you can watch it in the video player above. Andy Cerota traveled to Africa to see how the Houston Zoo and Houstonians are making a difference by helping bring gorillas back from the brink of extinction. The special leads up to the new gorilla exhibit at the Houston Zoo opening to the public on May 22. For more information, visit HoustonZoo.org/gorillas. To learn more about how to visit Rwanda and what to do there, click over to www.RwandaTourism.com.