Speaking of moody gardens, took my grandkids this weekend. The reeftank we helped with wasnt something I would get excited about
but it still was a descent beginner looking tank. I was happy to see they did listen and pull all the xenia out and put them in a different smaller tank.
I would speculate they dont want to do enough lighting to put any sps in there, Could use some more fish. Guess Im just use to looking at
my tanks and other reefers around here. Wished I live close enough would definitely jack them up.
Our contact, Ryan, who we were working with is no longer with MG (neither is Roy). Ryan certainly had a passion for that little reef exhibit and it was awesome sharing all of our hobbyist tips and tricks with him when he got the okay to restart the reef tank after Ike took out the last one 10+ years ago. I logged many miles on my car driving out there several times a week for a while to help
It may just be that whomever took it over from Ryan doesn't share his enthusiasm for it or they are focused on the Florida Reef study they are participating in with the 10 other North American facilities. We are having to rebuild our relationship with the new curator, so that is the goal.
As for the Houston Zoo, they may or may not be willing or able to accept donations like Ryan was. It's a management call to be honest. Typically they would only be able to buy/accept from other AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) members, which we obviously are not. Another thing to consider is since it is a location specific exhibit, they may only want species that are found in that region naturally. I have reached out, but am waiting for a reply.
