Join us for a Mother's Day themed Animal Play Day at the Orangutan Palapa. Participate in fun educational activities and coloring from 11:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Orangutan Palapa.  Our mother and daughter orangutan pair will be also receiving enrichment from their keepers at the following times: 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Orangutans are facing a crisis in the wild due to the loss of their rain forest home to make space for palm oil plantations. The cutting down and burning of the rain forest for these plantations leaves many orangutans homeless and/or orphaned. This event is free [...]

You are invited to join us for our 5th 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 on its rush to the ocean. As federal and state funds have dwindled over the years, this direct funding has become mission critical to sustain the Kemp’s Ridley Project and provide support to other sea turtle projects. The Kemp’s Ridley Project has both a successful track [...]

What is World Giraffe Day? It is a world-wide day of recognition for the longest necked animal on the planet. Take part in World Giraffe Day, established by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. During World Giraffe Day, the Zoo will have our Giraffe Landing Feeding Experience open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds will go directly towards saving giraffes in Africa.  From 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. Senior Veterinarian, Dr. Thomas deMaar will be present and answering questions.  In addition, kids can participate in activities like giraffe mask making, while learning about giraffe conservation. Giraffe are becoming [...]

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 11th through Sunday, September 13th, Brownsville residents will be able to visit the Zoo for the special admission price of only $2.00. We hope Brownsville residents take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  In order to receive the discounted admission price, at least one family member must show proof of residency. Identification such as a driver’s license, utility receipt or school ID will suffice.

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 Fresnos, Los Indios, Lozano, Lyford, Matamoros, Mexico, Monte Grande, Olmito, Porfirio, Port Isabel, Port Mansfield, Primera, Rancho Viejo, Rangerville, Raymondville, Rio Hondo, Russelltown, San Benito, San Pedro, San Perlita, Santa Monica, Sebastian, South Padre Island and Willamar. Residents will need to show proof of residency. Identification [...]

Call Zoo for details (956) 546-7187