Did you know that chocolate chip sea stars, sea snails and hermit crabs can be found right here at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™? Visit the Touch Tanks in NRG Center at the entrances of Halls A and B in NRG Center to see them for yourself.
While most people do not associate marine life with agriculture, it is an important part of the industry. Touch tanks shine a light on the aquatic side of Texas agriculture.
Mary Beth Cardarette, a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Tours Committee member, said the Touch Tanks allow people personal experiences with creatures they do not normally see.
“People finally get to touch a starfish,” Cardarette said. “It might be the most exciting thing some people do here.”
Rodeo attendee Priscilla Olera said the Touch Tanks are one of her favorite exhibits.
“It’s such a great experience because 95 percent of the ocean is undiscovered,” Olera said. “This gets kids interested in the sea and I think that is necessary so we can continue exploring the ocean.”
Alongside the Touch Tanks are aquaponics gardens, which displays plants grown without soil.
