On Thursday, May 16, 2013, the Gladys Porter Zoo will be hosting a charity Texas Hold’em Poker Tournament.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Zoo’s capital campaign projects. Currently, the Zoo has two major construction projects underway, the Russell Aquatic Ecology Center and South Texas Discovery Center.

CLICK HERE: VISIT OUR POKER MICROSITE

Baby Gorilla Officially Named

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden announced that Kiazi’s 4-week-old baby gorilla officially has a name – “Gladys Stones!” The Zoo’s Primate Keepers thought it was a perfect way to honor the Gladys Porter Zoo. And, Cincinnati Zoo’s Facebook fans agreed with dozens of names suggesting Gladys. They also decided to give Gladys the last name “Stones” to recognize the Stones Family who cared for her in her first few weeks before she departed for Cincinnati.

"Jerry and Cindy Stones, of the Gladys Porter Zoo, deserve all the recognition in the world for how quickly they swooped in and rescued Gladys,” said Ron Evans, Primate Center Team Leader at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. “Without their around the clock care and attention, I’m not sure she would still be here today. It was hard for them to see her go, and took a lot of love for them to say goodbye, and we wanted to acknowledge that.

” Gladys was born on January 29 to parents 14-year old, “Kiazi” and a 28-year-old silverback male named “Moja”. Kiazi joined the Gladys Porter Zoo’s gorilla troop in October 2011 as part of an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan (SSP) breeding recommendation. She is on breeding loan transfer from the Cincinnati Zoo. The baby was being hand-reared by GPZ zookeepers because the new mom displayed a lack of maternal care. All parties agreed that relocation was the best course of action for the baby and because the Cincinnati Zoo has two female gorillas available to serve as potential surrogate mothers, it was decided that the baby should go there. Her introduction process to a new gorilla troop will be gradual to ensure a favorable integration.

Discovery Tile Program

Support the Zoo by purchasing a Discovery Tile to recognize or honor a family member or loved one. Every tile purchase supports our cause: completion of our new education building. The South Texas Discovery Center is scheduled to open in 2013. If you need additional information or want to purchase your tile contact the Education Department at educ@gpz.org or (956) 548-9453 ext. 319. Download an order form today.

Order Form l Native Flora & Fauna List l Inscription PDF

For more information, please call (956) 546-7187

Summer Safari - June thru August 2013

What is your child doing this summer? Why not spend the summer learning at the zoo? Summer Safari is just the place for your little one. For kids starting at age 4, this exciting summer program offers sessions full of games, stories, zoo tours, and up-close encounters with animals.

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too! Register now for any or all of the classes to reserve your space. Zoo tour included in each class; plus arts & crafts, animal encounters and snacks.

Pre-registration is required and space is limited. (CLICK TO REGISTER)