Conservation VIEW ALL
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Galapagos Tortoise Research
Determination of the Origin of Captive Galapagos Tortoises: A great number of the Galapagos tortoises that are currently in captivity were taken off of various islands in Galapagos early in the 20th century
$10 Donated -
Philippine Crocodile
North American Cooperative Conservation for the Philippine Crocodile: Staff from the Department of Herpetology work with the Philippine government and the Philippine National Recovery Team
$193 Donated -
Local Wildlife
Putting Wildlife Back: The Animal Health Department at the Gladys Porter Zoo is the principal wildlife rehabilitation unit for the Rio Grande Valley. Wildlife rehabilitation involves caring for injured, ill and orphaned wild animals with the goal of releasing
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Iguana Conservation
International Iguana Foundation: The Zoo’s General Curator, Colette Hairston Adams, serves as a member of the Board of the International Iguana Foundation (IIF), whose mission is to actively support conservation,
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Rhino Conservation
International Rhino Foundation: Gladys Porter Zoo’s Director Emeritus, Don. D. Farst, D.V.M., serves as a member of the Board of the International Rhino Foundation (IRF), whose mission is to contribute to rhino conservation
$0 Donated -
Saving the American Ocelot
The Animal Health Department at the Gladys Porter Zoo is actively involved in assisting US Fish and Wildlife Services with ocelot health monitoring at Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge (LANWR).
$90 Donated -
Kemp’s Ridley Project
Of the seven species of sea turtles in the world, the Kemp’s ridley, Lepidochelys kempii, is the most endangered. It is also the smallest sea turtle and the only species that nests primarily during the daytime.
$375 Donated
Calendar VIEW ALL
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Winter Walking Tours
Knowledgeable docents are conducting walking tours around the Zoo, upon request. To schedule a tour, call the Education Department at (956) 546-7187 or email educ@gpz.org at least a week in advance. Docents not only provide a tour of the facility but they also tell a range of stories from the history of the zoo to […]
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Saturday Safari – Who’s on the Menu?
All living things have a connection to one another, like links on chain. Come explore components of food chains and what makes up the cyclical system called a food web. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. Zoo […]
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Saturday Safari – Do Animals Play?
Some animal behavior looks like play, but all this activity is serious business for animals. Young animals learn survival skills through “play”. In captivity, animals have to be given opportunities to “play”. Come help design enrichment activities for Zoo animals. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris […]
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wtexan
All out-of-state residents living in the Rio Grande Valley for the winter will be able to visit the Zoo for the special admission price of $4.50. Residents will need to show proof of out-of-state residency. Identification such as a driver’s license, utility receipt or school ID will suffice. At least one family member must show […]
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Saturday Safari – Top Zoo Chef
Zoo dieticians have to prepare meals for lots of animals every day. Come help feed some of the Zoo’s animals after you learn what they eat. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. Zoo tour, arts & crafts, […]
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Saturday Safari – Measuring Up
How do you find out how much a birds weighs? How do you measure how long a snake has grown? Come help zookeepers record the weights and lengths of some of the Zoo’s animals. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end […]
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Saturday Safari – Dinosaurs
Walk back in time to discover a world ruled by giants. As part of the class, get to visit the robotic dinosaur exhibit. Get to know all the interesting characteristics of some of these prehistoric creatures. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. […]
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Saturday Safari – If I Ran the Zoo
Learn what it takes to keep animals in a zoo. Go behind the scenes to learn more about zoo operations. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. Zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounters and snacks are included […]
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Animal Play Day
Stop by the Zoo for our “Valentine’s Day” themed Animal Play Day to watch our animals interact with heart-shaped boxes and buckets filled with “sweet” treats as well as other enrichment items provided by our zookeepers. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain our Zoo inhabitants. These enrichment items are […]
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Animatronic Dinosaur Exhibit
Walk back in time to discover a world ruled by giants. The dinosaur exhibit will include realistic robotic dinosaurs on display. Get to know all the interesting characteristics of some of these prehistoric creatures. Admission into the exhibit is an additional $3.00.
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Jr. Zookeeper Camp
Join the few, the proud, and the hard-working staff that gets to work with wild animals. Find out what it takes to take care of animals and get to help with some of the daily chores at the zoo. The Starlight Safari sleepover is at 6:30 pm on March 14th. (Min. Age: 7) 9 a.m. […]
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Saturday Safari – Bee Friends
Do plants and animals make friends? Come learn about plant and animal relationships and how important they are for survival. You will be surprised to discover some of this interesting animal plant connections. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at […]
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Saturday Safari – Creature Feature
Do you know why animals have such unique characteristics? How can birds fly, fish swim and polar bears survive freezing temperatures? Let’s take a closer look at some the zoo creatures and talk features. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end […]
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Animal Play Day
Stop by the Zoo on our Animal Play Day to watch animals interact with enrichment items that are given to them by our zookeepers. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain our Zoo inhabitants. These enrichment items are a vital component to the health and well-being of our animal collection. […]
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Saturday Safari – Extreme Life-cycles
What creature begins its life with no wings, but can eventually fly? Some of the world’s smallest creatures undergo the most extreme physical changes during their life cycle. Come see first-hand the metamorphosis of some of the zoo’s creatures. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin […]
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Saturday Safari – Habitat Sweet Habitat
Learn what animals consider home. Identify various animal homes by the elements present that make it perfectly suitable for living. Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. Parents can join, too. Safaris begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. Zoo tour, arts & crafts, animal encounters and snacks are included […]
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Summer Safari
What is your child doing this summer? Why not spend the summer learning at the Gladys Porter Zoo? Summer Safari is the perfect place for your little one. Each day includes fun-filled activities such as puppet shows, games, stories, crafts, sing-a-longs and tours. Children will have the opportunity to explore our Zoo in a fun, […]
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Animal Play Day
Stop by the Zoo on our Animal Play Day to watch animals interact with enrichment items that are given to them by our zookeepers. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain our Zoo inhabitants. These enrichment items are a vital component to the health and well-being of our animal collection. […]
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Saturday Morning Safari
Kids and parents have been having a great time in our Animal classes. Enroll your child for Saturday morning classes at the Zoo. You can join, too. Classes begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 12:00 p.m. Zoo tour, snack, materials and supplies are included in each class. Fee is $15.00 per child or adult […]
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Oceanarium
The Urban Science Initiative, Inc. and the Gladys Porter Zoo are teaming up once again to present the exciting ocean science program, Oceanarium from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is an ocean science educational event that provides unique opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and others to engage in science. Visitors will be able to […]
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4th Annual Charity Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament
On Saturday, September 19th, the Gladys Porter Zoo will be hosting the Fourth Annual Charity Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament at Weslaco’s Business Visitor and Event Center. Registration begins at 1:00 p.m.; tournament will begin at 2:00 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Zoo’s capital campaign projects. Currently, the Zoo’s major project is the […]
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Animal Play Day
Stop by the Zoo for our “Valentine’s Day” themed Animal Play Day to watch our animals interact with special treats and enrichment items provided by our zookeepers. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain our Zoo inhabitants. These enrichment items are a vital component to the health and well-being of […]
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Children’s Play Day
The UTRGV College of Education will host a Children’s Play Day at the Gladys Porter Zoo in honor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child™, which advocates for the importance of early- learning opportunities for all young children. The purpose of the “Children’s Play Day” is […]
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Zoo Family Starlight Sleepover
Challenge your senses to observe nocturnal animals! Tour the Zoo at night! It’s a sleepover in a nice air-conditioned building. Enjoy games, a pizza party, an early morning outdoor breakfast and more! The cost is $25 per person. The minimum age level for a Starlight Sleepover is 7. For more information or to register for […]
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45th Birthday Weekend $2.00 Admission
On September 3, 2016, the Zoo is turning 45 and bringing it in with some wild admission rates for all to enjoy. During our birthday weekend September 2nd – 4th, 2016 visit the Zoo for only $2.00, for both adults and children! The Zoo opens at 9:00 a.m. For 45 years the Gladys Porter Zoo […]
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Zoofari
Come out and peacock at the Valley’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Zoofari. This year, Zoofari is a one-night only affair. Help the Gladys Porter Zoo continue to inspire, educate and captivate the multitudes of children in the Rio Grande Valley by attending Zoofari 2016. Join us for a party during this gala affair full […]
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Boo at the Zoo
The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold its 27th annual “Boo at the Zoo” celebration Sunday, October 30th and Monday, October 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Become a Zoo member and you are eligible to come in early during the members’ only hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Come out for a ghoulish good […]
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Wild Tales
Come listen to a story, meet some of the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors and get a free book while supplies last. Storytelling stations, face painting and crafts will be set-up on Zoo grounds. Wild Tales begins at 10:00 a.m. and ends at 3:00 p.m. Children’s books will be given away while supplies last. Wild Tales is a […]
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Animal Play Day
Animal Play Days are scheduled events where Zoo animals are given an enrichment item that has a specific theme. The theme for this Animal Play Day is fall festival. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain zoo inhabitants. It is performed on a daily basis at the Zoo and is […]
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Zoo Nights & Lights – December 2, 3 & 4, 2016
Enjoy a holiday event for the whole family with a dazzling display of approximately 150 lighted animal and holiday fixtures along with 800 luminarias adorning the pathways. Plus, live performances from local bands, church and school choirs, arts & crafts show in the special events building, hot chocolate, churros and more 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 […]
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Orangutan Awareness Day
The Gladys Porter Zoo, in conjunction with Orangutan Outreach and many Zoos across the nation, as well as volunteers from the Students Teaching Students program and enrichment program, will celebrate Mother’s Day this year by paying tribute to orangutan mothers with the Missing Orangutan Mothers campaign (M.O.M.). The goal of M.O.M. is to raise awareness […]
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Ridley Rush
You are invited to join us for our 2nd Annual Ridley Rush 1 Mile Walk /Run. This family fun run aims to raise awareness for the endangered Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle. The Ridley Rush route will take you through the beautiful and scenic Gladys Porter Zoo as you experience what a baby sea turtle must endure […]
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World Giraffe Day
What is World Giraffe Day? It is a world-wide day of recognition for the longest necked animal on the planet. Take part in the 2nd annual World Giraffe Day, established by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. During World Giraffe Day, the Zoo will have our Giraffe Landing Feeding Experience open for extended hours with knowledgeable staff […]
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Kids Appreciation Day
Go on an adventure with your child around the Zoo at the 14th Annual Kids Appreciation Day presented by H-E-B and News Center 23. Kids Appreciation Day coincides with National KidsDay, which is a day set aside each year to celebrate and honor America’s children by spending meaningful time with them. Every child receives a special […]
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A Salute to our Troops Appreciation Day
The Gladys Porter Zoo will honor all current and former military members and their families with a special discount day. There will be a flag raising ceremony at the front of the Zoo at 10 a.m. Military members and their families receive a special admission rate of $3.00 per person with a military ID, retiree […]
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Brownsville Appreciation Days
As a big thank you to the residents of Brownsville for their constant support, the Gladys Porter Zoo will offer an entire weekend of admission discounts for all residents living inside the Brownsville city limits. From Friday, September 8th through Sunday, September 10th, Brownsville residents will be able to visit the Zoo for the special […]
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Lower Valley Appreciation Days
All residents living in the Lower Valley will be able to visit the Zoo for the special admission price. The Lower Valley includes: Arroyo City, Bayview, Bluetown, Brownsville, Calaboz, Carricitos, Combes, El Ranchito, Harlingen, La Feria, La Leona, La Paloma, La Tina, Laguna Heights, Laguna Vista, Lantana, Las Rusias, Las Yescas, Laureles, Los Coyotes, Los […]
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Brew at the Zoo
There’s something brewing at the Zoo and you won’t want to miss out! Raise your glasses for animal conservation at the 5th Annual Brew at the Zoo, hosted by the Gladys Porter Zoo and Brownsville BeerFest. Brew at the Zoo will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticketholders to […]
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Zoofari 2017
Join us for some monkey business! The Gladys Porter Zoo invites you to the biggest fundraiser of the year, Zoofari 2017 on Saturday, October 7th from 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Swing your way over to the jungle and support the Zoo while enjoying great food, auctions and music. Every bid supports the Zoo: Proceeds […]
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Upper Valley Appreciation Days
All residents living in the Upper Valley will be able to visit the Zoo for the special admission price. The Upper Valley includes: Alamo, Alton, Cantu, Donna, Edcouch, Edinburg, Elsa, Faysville, Granjeno, Hargill, Heidelberg, Hidalgo, La Blanca, La Joya, La Villa, Las Milpas, Linn, Lopezville, Mercedes, McAllen, McCook, Mission, Monte Alto, Palmhurst, Penitas, Pharr, Progreso, […]
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28th Annual Boo at the Zoo
The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold its 28th annual Boo at the Zoo celebration Monday, October 30th and Tuesday, October 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Become a Zoo member and you are eligible to come in early during the members’s only hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Come out for a […]
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Baby Giraffe Makes Public Debut
How could anyone or anything not fall in love with a face like this? One look at this adorable giraffe calf will melt anyone’s heart. He was born on April 28th. At its birth, he weighed 107 pounds, less than the average calf, which is around 135 to 145 pounds. Despite its weight, […]
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Zoo Nights & Lights – December 1, 2 & 3, 2017
Enjoy a holiday event for the whole family with a dazzling display of approximately 150 lighted animal and holiday fixtures along with 800 luminarias adorning the pathways. Plus, live performances from local bands, church and school choirs, arts & crafts show in the special events building, hot chocolate, churros and more 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 […]
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Saturday Safari – Top Zoo Chef
Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too! Zoo dieticians have to prepare meals for lots of animals every day. Come help feed some of the zoo’s animals after you learn what they eat. Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in […]
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Winter Texan Day
All Winter Texans will be able to visit the Zoo for a special admission price of $4.50. Walking tours, and train tours will also be conducted throughout the duration of the event. Guests must show proof of out-of-state residence in order to receive the discounted admission rate. For more information, please call the Zoo office at […]
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WILD TALES 2018
Come listen to a story, meet some of the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors and even get a free book while supplies last. Storytelling, face painting, crafts and special play stations will be set-up on Zoo grounds. Tales begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m. During Wild Tales everyone gets the discounted school rate […]
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Ocelot Conservation Day
Join us in celebrating the beautiful ocelot of the Rio Grande Valley at Ocelot Conservation Day! The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and the Gladys Porter Zoo are hosting a special day to highlight ocelots, the small, wild cats native to South Texas. There will be a […]
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Easter Bazaar
Find a special Easter gift at our annual Easter Bazaar. The Bazaar features vendors with unique gifts, art, gourmet snacks, handmade jewelry and more. It is open during regular Zoo hours of operation and there is no additional fee to enter. The Easter Bazaar is scheduled for Friday, March 30, Saturday, March 31 & Sunday, April 1, 2018. (The […]
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Bunny Corral
Everyone is invited to “hop” on over to the Zoo’s bunny corral from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Bunny Corral, a visitor’s favorite, will be open across from Small World. The bunnies will be available to pet and docents will be on hand to answer questions about the adorable animals. On Easter Sunday, only the […]
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Saturday Safari – If I Ran the Zoo
Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too! Learn what it takes to keep animals in a zoo. Go behind the scenes to learn more about zoo operations. Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the wild and in captivity and […]
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Animal Play Day – Easter Theme
Animal Play Days are scheduled events where Zoo animals are given an enrichment item that has a specific theme. The theme for this Animal Play Day is Easter egg hunt. Come watch as our zookeepers prepare an Easter egg hunt for our Zoo animals featuring decorated ostrich eggs, painted eggs and Easter baskets. The schedule […]
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Children’s Day of Play
Bring your children to learn and play at the Zoo! Texas Southmost College (TSC) students enrolled in the Teacher Education program will host a “Children’s Play Day” at the Gladys Porter Zoo in honor of the National Association for the Education of Young Children’s (NAEYC) Week of the Young Child™, which advocates for the […]
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Party for the Planet
Party for the Planet is the Zoo’s celebration of Earth Day where we bring eco-conscious members of the community together to help share the message of conservation. From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Zoo will spotlight conservation with fun activities, face painting, and contests for children. Local organizations will also be present to discuss […]
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Saturday Safari – Creature Feature
Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too! Do you know why animals have such unique characteristics? How can birds fly, fish swim and polar bears survive in freezing temperatures? Let’s take a closer look at some zoo creatures and talk features. Classes are designed to give students an […]
News VIEW ALL
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Giraffe Baby Name Announced
January 3, 2018The Gladys Porter Zoo announced the results of their name search for the newest baby giraffe. After a two-week voting period and 1,125 votes from Valley residents as well as Gladys Porter Zoo fans around the nation, the baby boy giraffe has been officially named J.C. The name is in memory of Juan Carlos Gonzalez, […]
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Herpetarium Receiving Striking New Features
June 22, 2017The Herpetarium at the Gladys Porter Zoo is getting a makeover. Thanks to the generosity of many Zoofari 2016 attendees who contributed to the event’s Fund-A-Need campaign, the building will be getting some exciting updates. Renovations include removing the tiled barrier that bisected the main tour route through the Herpetarium and replacing it with new […]
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Tropical Americas & El Mundo Huasteco Totonaco Exhibit Unveiled
June 2, 2017The Gladys Porter Zoo unveiled a brand new outdoor exhibit: Tropical Americas & El Mundo Huasteco Totonaco. The completion of this pair of exhibits is phase one of a larger plan to bring a bit of Tropical America to Brownsville, Texas. El Mundo Huasteco Totonaco features a newly constructed exhibit that will be home to […]
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BPUB Taps Divers to Clean Out Resacas at Gladys Porter Zoo
July 14, 2016The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) has contracted with American Underwater Services (AUS) to use divers to clean out the resaca system at Gladys Porter Zoo as part of BPUB’s Resaca Restoration Project. BPUB used a large dredger to clean the Cemetery Resaca and Dean Porter Park Resaca, but
Posted In: Info