Education Department

Education Programs

Spring Break Camp – Enroll your child for a week-long camp during Spring Break.

Summer Safari Camps – June thru August 2023 – Check this page for camp schedule. Camps are for kids starting at age 4. These exciting summer camps offer games, story-time, zoo tours, and up-close encounters with animals. Spend your summer at the Zoo!

Starlight Safari Sleepover – Night at the Zoo
For groups with kids ages 7 and up. Spend the night at the Zoo and enjoy a pizza party, flashlight tour of the zoo, and a “batty” bed-time story. After “indoor-camping,” participants eat an outdoor breakfast and receive a certificate. This is a very popular program for scouts and other youth organizations. FEE: $35 per person, with a minimum group size of 15 people. The minimum rate for groups smaller than 15 is $525. Contact the Education Department to request more information and receive a registration form. These events fill up early, so a two-week notice is recommended. Call (956) 548-WILD (9453). (Program fee is subject to change).

Summer Teen Program
The Summer Teen Program is a nine or ten week service-learning opportunity for students entering 8th-12th grade. Approximately 50 students are admitted each summer to work in special areas of the Zoo. This is a very competitive program and it includes a fee. All teens interested must complete an application form and submit a recent proof of negative TB test. Applications do not become available until April 1st. For more information, contact the Education Department at (956) 548-9453 or Educ@gpz.org.

The Zoo has volunteer opportunities available for adults and those interested should contact the Education Department.

ESPECIALLY FOR SCHOOL GROUPS

Gladys Porter Zoo offers special discounted admission rates to schools. Only schools that are part of a state accredited school or licensed preschool and registered with the Zoo are eligible for the school rates. To register your school, please contact the main office (956-546-7187) prior to your visit. Office hours are: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday thru Sunday.

School Rates:

The school rates are as follows: $6.00 all students grades K thru College. One teacher/adult is admitted free for every ten students, additional adults and teachers pay only $7.00 each. Single payment is required from the school to receive discounted rate. (Program Rate is subject to change).

Download our flyer to post in your school. (Click Here for PDF flyer)

Inquiries about school programs and best times to visit the Zoo, or for information about your school district becoming a member of “Partners in Conservation through Education” and receive further discounts and services, contact us at (956) 548-WILD or Educ@gpz.org.

ENHANCE YOUR GROUP’S VISIT TO THE ZOO

Safari Chats Connecting with Animals

This program is offered in the Zoo amphitheater and includes animal facts and the chance to get a close look at – and even touch – live animals. Students Teaching Students Presenters will answer audience questions from the audience. This unique program is presented by teams of college, high school, and middle school students. Presentations are appropriate for all age levels, and pre-registration is not needed but is recommended in busy spring months. Free with paid Zoo admission.

TIMES
Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30a.m. and 10:15a.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30p.m. and 2:15p.m.

Classes

Several different 2-3 hour long classes have been designed to give your students an individualized educational experience on a specific subject. Classes include instructions, games, activity sheets and a Zoo tour that relates to the lesson material.

Topics and Grade:

Animals Have Class (K to 4th )
Junior Zookeepers (2nd to 9th )
Zoo Careers (7th to 12th )

Animal Feeding and Encounters

Galapagos Tortoise Trading Post

Flamingo Feeding

Giraffe Landing

Please contact us at (956) 548-WILD or Educ@gpz.org for details and fee information.

Teacher Workshops
Learn creative ways to teach elementary school children. Workshops are offered to Brownsville teachers, however anyone interested in teaching about animals and the Zoo is encouraged to participate.

OUTREACH PRESENTATIONS
The Education Department offers short animal presentations at your campus, retirement communities, and special schools whenever possible. Call for rates.

PUBLICATIONS: ZooXtra

This is the children’s page in the Zoo’s member magazine ZooNews. It contains animal information, puzzles and games especially for kids and their parents.