Rice University Students Design Sustainable Heating System for Houston Zoo Flamingos

When temperatures drop in Houston, even flamingos feel the chill. At the Houston Zoo, colder months can leave the tropical birds standing on cold sand, an issue that has traditionally been addressed with electric space heaters. A team of Rice University undergraduates has developed a sustainable, nonelectric heated flooring system to solve this problem.

The students designed and tested a hydronic heating system that circulates warm water through pipes beneath the sand in the flamingo habitat. This approach warms the ground directly, offering a safer and more energy-efficient alternative to traditional electric heaters.

“This project was about solving a real problem the zoo is facing,” said sophomore Amy Wang, who studies cognitive sciences and art. “When it gets cold, the sandy ground in the habitat doesn’t retain heat well, so the flamingos’ feet can get too cold. The zoo wanted a heating solution that aligned with their sustainability goals but as well reduced hazards for the animals and zoo personnel.”

Anuj Sinhal, a freshman mechanical engineering student, noted one of the biggest engineering hurdles was adapting the system for sand. “Sand is a poor conductor compared to something like concrete, so we had to figure out the right pipe depth and spacing to effectively transfer heat,” Sinhal said.

The concept draws on hydronic heating, a method commonly used in radiant floor heating where warm water flows through pipes beneath a surface. By applying this principle to the zoo’s sandy habitat, the students created a prototype that addresses both animal welfare and operational safety concerns.

The Houston Zoo’s Chilean flamingos, native to the Andes Mountains where temperatures fluctuate between extreme heat and cold, are housed in the upgraded Fondren Foundation Birds of the World exhibit. In their natural habitat, flocks can number up to 10,000 birds and they lay eggs around the same time each year to improve chick survival rates.

While Chilean flamingos are adapted to variable temperatures, the zoo continues to prioritize innovations that enhance comfort and safety in controlled environments. The Rice students’ project reflects an ongoing effort to combine engineering ingenuity with animal care best practices.

As of April 17, 2026, the zoo will be closing early at 1 p.m., with last entry at 12 p.m. For Feast with the Beasts. The Chilean flamingo exhibit remains a featured part of the Birds of the World section, where visitors can observe the birds’ unique feeding adaptations, including bristle-like tongue projections used to filter food and water.

This initiative highlights how academic partnerships can drive practical, sustainable solutions in wildlife conservation and zoo management.