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 […]

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. […]

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. […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

[rev_slider dino]   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 […]

[rev_slider wtails]     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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

[rev_slider wtails]   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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  Learn what animals consider home. Identify various animal homes by the elements present that make it perfectly suitable for living.  Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the wild and in captivity and […]

There are so many ways you can make a difference for our oceans.  World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. The day will feature activities, speakers and exhibitors in our Special Events Building from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for educational booths and exhibits, plus, activities for the […]

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 $35 per person. The minimum age level for a Starlight Sleepover is 7. For more information or to register for […]

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 7th through Sunday, September 9th, Brownsville residents will be able to visit the Zoo for the special […]

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 […]

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 Thursday, September 20, 2018 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticketholders to […]

WANTED!  People who want to have some fun!  All you buckaroos are invited to the biggest fundraiser of the year, Zoofari 2018 on Saturday, October 6th from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Boot scoot your way on over and support the Zoo while enjoying great food, auctions and music.  Every bid supports the Zoo: Proceeds from […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  Long ones… short ones… they all have a good use. Let’s search the Zoo for different and fascinating animal tails.  Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the wild and in captivity and […]

[rev_slider slider10] The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold its 29th annual Boo at the Zoo celebration Tuesday, October 30th and Wednesday, October 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  (The date on the left-hand side is the start date of Boo at the Zoo.) Become a Zoo member and you are eligible to come in early […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  Scientists believe that modern birds are decedents of dinosaurs. This makes birds even more fascinating! Do you know your birds? Let’s explore the zoo for birds. Some have long legs; some have webbed feet; and some are quite large. Let’s see […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  Learn where and what animals consider home.  Identify various animal homes by the elements present that make it perfectly suitable for living.  Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the wild and in […]

The Gladys Porter Zoo will honor all current and former military members and their families with a special discount day on Saturday and Sunday, November 10th & 11th.  Military members and their families receive a special admission rate of $3.00 per person with a military ID, retiree ID or a VA card.

After months of hard work, it is with great joy that Zoo staff introduced its newest member, Bebop, a five year old male Southern white rhino, to the crash, which is what a group of rhinos is called, and all three are now on display for the public to view. So, make plans to visit […]

Purchase a membership at the Zoo or online and get 4 free feeding opportunity tickets.  Select a voucher for a giraffe, flamingo, stingray or Galapagos tortoise feeding opportunity.  The feedings are available during public feeding days and hours.  Offer valid on Thursday, November 22, to Monday, November 26, 2018. If you stop by the Zoo to […]

Zoo Nights & Lights is a holiday tradition to behold. Everyone will enjoy live performances from local bands and choirs while taking in the dazzling light displays. Browse for holiday gifts at our arts and crafts show. And, kids can decorate a gingerbread cookie and make a craft. The Gladys Porter Zoo invites Rio Grande […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too.  Are you ready for a pet? Come learn from the animal experts about taking care of animals. Get your pet questions answered at the Zoo.  Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the […]

It’s been reported that an elf named Sparky has come to the Gladys Porter Zoo and has been sighted in various areas throughout the Zoo. Our sources tell us that he comes from the North Pole and was sent by Santa to decide whether our animals have been naughty or nice. He has been reporting […]

Stop by the Zoo for our “Christmas” themed Animal Play Day to watch our animals interact with special “gift” treats and enrichment items provided by our zookeepers.   Animal Play Days are scheduled events where Zoo animals are given an enrichment item that has a specific theme. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to […]

This year’s Zoofari fundraising event offered many exciting auction items, including the opportunity to name the youngest member of the giraffe herd, a female giraffe born on August 9th. After the high bidding couple, Terry and Laurie Ray, offered to make donation to the Zoo and allow someone else the opportunity match their donation for […]

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 […]

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 to […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too.  Lurking among the plants in the water is a master hunter ready to pounce and devour an unsuspecting fish. Alligator gar are common in fresh waters in the southern U.S. and can grow up to 10 feet in length.  Classes are […]

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 […]

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 […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  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.  Classes are designed […]

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 […]

Our proud gorilla parents, 11-year-old Margaret & 26-year-old Mbundi, as well as the entire Gladys Porter Zoo staff, are excited about the birth of a baby Western lowland gorilla. The baby, weighing in at 2.22 kg (4.8 lbs), was born in the early morning hours on Sunday, May 5th. To celebrate this Cinco de Mayo […]

You are invited to join us for our 4th 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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

  Go on an adventure with your child around the Zoo at the 16th 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 […]

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 6th through Sunday, September 8th, Brownsville residents will be able to visit the Zoo for the special admission […]

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 […]

You’re invited to an otterly fantastic Zoofari 2019.  It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year, Zoofari 2019 on Saturday, October 5th from 6:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Slide your way on over and support the Zoo while enjoying great food, auctions and music.  Every bid supports the Zoo: Proceeds from Zoofari will go towards the new OtterBahn exhibit, […]

All residents living in the Upper Valley (Hidalgo or Starr Counties) 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, […]

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 […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  Come meet the Zoo’s beautiful bugs and learn about many different kinds of arthropods. Get a special tour of the Butterfly Exhibit.  Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals in the wild and in […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too!  The sun sets and it’s time to get up and search for something to eat.  These creatures come out at night.  This is your chance to learn all about the animals that hunt in the dark and those that use the […]

The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold its 30th annual Boo at the Zoo celebration Wednesday, October 30th and Thursday, October 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.  (The date on the left-hand side is the start date of Boo at the Zoo.) Become a Zoo member and you are eligible to come in early during the members’s only […]

Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo. You can join, too.  All living things have a connection to one another, like links to a chain.  Come explore “links” in food chains and what makes up the food web.  Classes are designed to give students an opportunity to learn more about exotic animals […]

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 Thanksgiving theme. Staff will be giving the animals turkey, pumpkins or pie.  Starting at Gorilla Island around 11:30 a.m., staff will walk around the Zoo giving enrichment items […]

Zoo Nights & Lights is a holiday tradition to behold. Everyone will enjoy live performances from local bands and choirs while taking in the dazzling light displays. Browse for holiday gifts at our arts and crafts show. And, kids can decorate a gingerbread cookie and make a craft. The Gladys Porter Zoo invites Rio Grande […]

Enroll your child for Saturday afternoon fun at the Zoo. You can join, too.  Playing is serious business for zoo animals.  Spending time looking for food and exploring their environment is great exercise for them.  Help make “toys” so that they can get their daily exercise and then watch them play.  Classes are designed to […]

Stop by the Zoo for our “holiday gift giving” themed Animal Play Day to watch our animals interact with special “gift” treats and enrichment items provided by our zookeepers.   Animal Play Days are scheduled events where Zoo animals are given an enrichment item that has a specific theme. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play […]

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.  Complimentary coffee will be available in the special events building, while supplies last. Guests must show proof of out-of-state residence in order to receive the discounted admission […]

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 to […]

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 […]

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 […]

It has always been customary for the Gladys Porter Zoo to host a ribbon cutting to showcase its new exhibits, inviting city officials and the public to share in the excitement, but because of social distancing, that isn’t possible this time around. However, the Zoo utilized a different alternative to invite everyone to join us! […]

We will be open and welcoming guests on Friday, October 9th to Monday, October 12th for the Columbus Day holiday. Holiday Hours Friday – 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday – 8:00 – a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday – 8:00 – a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday – 8:00 – a.m. to 4:00 p.m.   We have limited […]

While Boo at the Zoo won’t be possible this year, we’ve devised a safer way to spend a spooky night at the Zoo.  Take a moonlit train ride thru the Zoo but beware creatures may be lurking in the shadows.  Reserve your spot for the Thrills and Chills Train Tour, reserve with caution as this […]

The Gladys Porter Zoo is participating in this year’s The Big Give Brownsville (virtual edition)!  During the month of October, a total 22 non-profit organizations will be fundraising!  #OneforAll #AllforOne

Tune in for our virtual “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 our animal […]

For 18 years, the Gladys Porter Zoo has hosted Wild Tales at the Zoo. Unfortunately, this year that was not possible due to our current circumstances, therefore; it will be presented virtually on Sunday, March 7, 2021.   Staring at 10:00 a.m., it will launch on Facebook and YouTube. Stories will be read by the […]

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.  This year, our event will be virtual.  The Zoo will spotlight conservation with fun activities, crafts, and virtual animal encounters. Local organizations will also be part of the […]

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 […]