Gladys Porter Zoo Honors Military Families with
“Salute to Our Troops” Discount Days Nov. 6–8 & Nov. 11
In celebration of Veterans Day, active-duty service members, veterans, and their families receive discounted $6 adult and $4 child admission, plus a chance to explore new zoo exhibits
In celebration of Veterans Day, the Gladys Porter Zoo is expressing its deep gratitude to the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces by offering special discounted admission during its annual Salute to Our Troops Appreciation Days. This year, military members and their families can take advantage of discounted entry over a four-day promotional window: Friday, November 6th, Saturday, November 7th, Sunday, November 8th, and Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
To honor active-duty service members, retirees, and veterans, the Zoo is reducing admission to $6.00 per adult (ages 14+) and $4.00 per child (ages 2 to 13), representing a savings of nearly 65% off regular adult ticket prices.
Beyond enjoying the Zoo’s lush grounds and diverse collection of wildlife, visiting military families can awaken their inner explorer with several new major additions and immersive attractions:
- El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco (Phase II): Walk beneath rare ocelots roaming on elevated skywalks and observe primate species in habitats set among Mesoamerican-inspired architectural replicas.
- Soaring Eagle Zipline: Take in a bird’s-eye view of the Zoo’s lush grounds and waterways as you soar high above the park.
- Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience: Step into a 360-degree motion-simulated safari and underwater journey.
- Interactive Animal Feedings: Enjoy hands-on wildlife encounters at dedicated feeding stations for giraffes, flamingos, and giant Galapagos tortoises.
“As our nation celebrates Veterans Day, we want to honor our military service members and veterans who sacrifice so much for our country,” said Cynthia Garza-Galvan, Marketing Director at the Gladys Porter Zoo. “This annual promotion is a small token of our appreciation. We invite military families from across our region to enjoy a day together, explore our newest exhibit additions, and make lasting memories at the Zoo.”
To receive the discounted rate, visitors must present a valid military ID, retiree ID, or VA card at the gate when purchasing tickets. The discount applies to the military member and their immediate family.
For more information about Salute to Our Troops Discount Days or Zoo hours, please visit www.gpz.org or call (956) 546-7187.