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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Gladys Porter Zoo
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260725T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240709T160029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T144908Z
UID:2825-1784973600-1784991600@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Kids Appreciation Day
DESCRIPTION:Your favorite back-to-school event is here! H-E-B presents Kids Appreciation Day at Gladys Porter Zoo! \nDuring Kids Appreciation Day\, the first 1\,000 children at the passport station will receive a backpack filled with school supplies! \n\nThe passport will take them on an adventure throughout the Zoo where they can visit crafts and fun activities centered around this year’s theme\, New World monkeys. Plus stop by our exhibitor tables focusing on health and wellness\, safety\, animal conservation\, and more.\n\nOnce your child’s passport is full\, they can enter a raffle to win an array of prizes like new bikes\, backpacks filled with school supplies\, sports equipment\, and more!\n\nThis event was made possible thanks to H-E-B\, Chick-fil-A\, Brownsville Public Utilities Board\, City of Brownsville\, Digital 101.5\, KVEO Local 23 News\, and CBS 4 News.
URL:/event/kids-appreciation-day/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260621T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260621T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20200320T110926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T154907Z
UID:2176-1782028800-1782061200@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Animal Play Day “World Giraffe Day”
DESCRIPTION: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.  Kids can participate in activities like giraffe mask making\, while learning about giraffe conservation. \nGiraffe are becoming one of the forgotten large mammals of the world. While everyone knows about the terrible waves of elephant poaching that continue to plague the African savannahs\, the degree of giraffe destruction is even worse. There are estimated to be 500\,000 elephants remaining\, while only 100\,000 giraffe are left. For more information about World Giraffe Day\, visit www.worldgiraffeday.org.
URL:/event/animal-play-day-world-giraffe-day/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260606T070000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240520T170530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T145546Z
UID:2174-1780729200-1780747200@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Ridley Rush
DESCRIPTION:You are invited to join us for our 10th Annual Ridley Rush 5K/1-Mile Walk/Run presented by Chick-Fil-A.  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 Mitte Cultural District and Gladys Porter Zoo as you experience what a baby sea turtle must endure in its rush to the ocean. \nAs federal and state funds have dwindled over the years\, this direct funding has become mission-critical to sustain Kemp’s Ridley Project and provide support to other sea turtle projects. The Kemp’s Ridley Project has both a successful track record and the real possibility of down-listing this most iconic of marine animals.  Other proven sea turtle projects may receive funding to promote conservation efforts. \nThe cost to participate in the 5K run is only $35.00 and $30.00 for the 1-mile run per runner. This cost covers a limited edition dri-fit Ridley Rush shirt\, a race bib\, a race medal\, and the entrance to the Zoo for the post-race festival celebrating World Oceans Day! \nREGISTRATION\nA special thanks go out to this year’s Ridley Rush sponsors\, Chick-Fil-A\, H-E-B Helping Here\, Brownsville Public Utilities Board\, CBS 4\, NBC 23\, Visit Brownsville\, and City of Brownsville. 
URL:/event/ridley-rush/
CATEGORIES:Event
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260516T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260516T220000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240430T225217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T150508Z
UID:2792-1778958000-1778968800@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Brew at the Zoo
DESCRIPTION:Brew at the Zoo: Raise your glass for animal conservation!\nPresented by Whataburger \nThe Gladys Porter Zoo invites you to Brew at the Zoo on Saturday\, May 16th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with music until 11:00 p.m. \nSupport your local Zoo and quench your thirst by sipping on specially selected premium and craft beer samples and delicious food tastings from amazing chefs and restaurants. Only a few of the top Rio Grande Valley restaurants will be competing in this “feast with the beasts.” \nThe Zoo is working with L&F Distributors to curate a special selection of light beers that are perfect for the spring and summer season. Guests will be able to sample from 24 fun and unique craft beers\, which will be paired up with delicious food tastings from amazing restaurants. Los Trevi Drive Thru will also be in attendance and will be serving up delicious drinks from their Michelada Combi. Zoo staff are hoping to bring in even more restaurants to ensure a varied selection of cuisines to taste from. \nThe public can upgrade their experience by purchasing a VIP ticket. VIPs will have access to a VIP-only area\, located close to the main stage. They will be able to participate in a private animal feeding and take a break from the main stage music with their own Silent Disco in the Aquarium. Plus\, VIPs will also get to sample from one exclusive beer that no one else will be able to access. \nPRESALE TICKETS\nVIP TICKETS\nThe entertainment for the night will include local artists: EDM DJ\, Akasha\, and rock bands\, The Reynalds and Reserve. The music will be extended until 11:00 p.m. to allow guests even more time to enjoy the event. There will also be three Silent Disco DJs for VIPs to choose from based on their music preferences. \nA popular activity at Brew at the Zoo is the beer pong tournament that takes place during the event. Sixteen teams made up of Brew at the Zoo attendees will compete against each other to be the 2026 Beer Pong Champs. Guests can gather around while the teams go head-to-head throughout the night. Other fun games and activities include Jumbo Jenga\, cornhole\, a giant Connect Four\, and multiple photo opportunities\, including a 360 photo booth. \nBrew at the Zoo is a 21+ event and a limited number of tickets are being sold. Tickets can be purchased for $40.00 pre-sale and $60.00 at the gate. VIP tickets are $100.00 per person. Only 100 VIP Tickets will be available\, so the public is encouraged to act fast. All proceeds will benefit the Zoo’s conservation efforts. \nThank you to the run sponsors Whataburger\, City of Brownsville\, Brownsville Public Utilities Board\, H-E-B and Visit Brownsville. \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/brew-at-the-zoo/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260510T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20200320T105445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T155056Z
UID:2172-1778400000-1778432400@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Animal Play Day “Mother’s Day… M.O.M.”
DESCRIPTION: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: \n11:00 a.m.\, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. \nOrangutans 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 with the purchase of general admission or Zoo membership. We will be accepting donations for the Missing Orangutan Mothers campaign.
URL:/event/animal-play-day-mothers-day-m-o-m/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T140000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240326T150010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T151009Z
UID:610-1776506400-1776520800@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Party For the Planet
DESCRIPTION:Party for the Planet: Zoo Celebrates Earth Day! \nThe Gladys Porter Zoo will be celebrating Earth Day with their annual event\, Party for the Planet\, presented by Chick-Fil-A on Saturday\, April 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be various games and activities throughout the Zoo grounds for guests to enjoy and learn about the many ways they can help preserve the planet. \nKids can make their seed bombs to toss in their backyard or play a recycling relay race\, to name a few activities. Local beekeepers\, gardeners\, and other eco-exhibitors will also be on-site to educate the public about various ways to help native wildlife\, especially pollinators. \n“The Gladys Porter Zoo is excited to celebrate Earth Day by hosting Party for the Planet. At this event\, our goal is to teach the public about the importance of conserving the Earth and the many ways they can do it while having fun with the entire family\,” said Cynthia Garza-Galvan\, Marketing Director. \nAnother great component of this event is that Girl Scouts will be able to accomplish 90 to 100 percent of the requirements to earn a badge. \n \nIt will be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family to enjoy! \nThank you to our sponsors Chick-Fil-A\, Brownsville Public Utilities Board\, City of Brownsville\, and Visit Brownsville. \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/party-for-the-planet/
LOCATION:Gladys Porter Zoo\, 500 E Ringgold St\,\, BROWNSVILLE\, TX\, 78520\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260405T150000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240319T154830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T151445Z
UID:2762-1775296800-1775401200@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Bunny Corral & Easter Animal Playday
DESCRIPTION:Easter Fun at the Gladys Porter Zoo \nDuring Easter weekend\, hop on over to the Gladys Porter Zoo! From April 4th & 5th\, visitors can enjoy the annual Bunny Corral and Animal Play Day. \nGuests can visit the Bunny Corral\, which will be across from Small World! Zoo staff will set up a cozy corral These adorable bunnies will be available to pet on April 4th & 5th from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Docents and Zoo staff will be at hand to answer any questions about these furry creatures. \nZookeepers will be conducting an Animal Play Day on April 5th. Please join the Zoo as we celebrate Easter with treats and gifts for our animals. During the day\, keepers will be distributing Easter-themed enrichment items to animals\, large and small\, throughout the Zoo. \nAnimal 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 stimulate and entertain Zoo inhabitants. It is performed daily at the Zoo and is a vital component essential to the health and well-being of the animals. \nThank you to the run sponsors City of Brownsville\, and Visit Brownsville.  Hope to see you there in your best bunny attire! \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation. \nAll activities are free to visitors with paid regular admission or Zoo membership. For more information\, call the Gladys Porter Zoo at (956) 546-7187.
URL:/event/bunny-corral-easter-animal-playday/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T100000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20230305T133029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152145Z
UID:2435-1772868600-1772877600@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Ocelot Run 5K / 1 Mile
DESCRIPTION:The Gladys Porter Zoo\, presented by Chick-Fil-A is back with its annual 5K and 1-mile fun run to support ocelot conservation. The Ocelot 5K Run will take place on March 7th starting at 7:30 a.m.\, and the 1-mile fun run will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Gladys Porter Zoo. The run will begin in the Zoo’s parking lot. \nThe 5K route will take guests through some of the most popular areas around the Mitte Cultural District before leading them into the scenic Gladys Porter Zoo for the final stretch. The 1-mile route will take guests through a fun and colorful run around the Zoo. \nThe 5K run will be timed. Although all participants will receive a medal at the finish line\, additional distinctive medals will be awarded to the top three runners of each age group and the top three overall males and females. Runners will receive a timing chip\, which will accurately record each runner’s time. A link will be provided on the Zoo’s website to access the results\, certificate\, and digital photo finish. \nThe cost to participate in the 5K run is only $35.00 and $30.00 for the 1-mile run per runner. This cost covers the entrance to the Zoo\, a limited edition dri-fit ocelot shirt\, a race bib\, and a race medal. Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate in ocelot attire or costumes. Registration for the Ocelot Run is open. \nPacket Pick-up\nPacket pick-up will be in the Meadows Room at the Gladys Porter Zoo. \nProceeds from this event directly benefit the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and their efforts towards ocelot conservation.  Thank you to the run sponsors Chick-Fil-A\, H-E-B Helping Here\, BPUB\, City of Brownsville\, Valley Central and Visit Brownsville.  Hope to see you there in your best ocelot attire! \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/ocelot-run-5k-1-mile/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260216T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260220T160000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240227T182535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152333Z
UID:2752-1771228800-1771603200@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Jr. Zookeeper Camp
DESCRIPTION:This Spring Break\, your child can join the few\, the proud\, and the hard-working zookeepers at the Gladys Porter Zoo! Find out what it takes to take care of wild animals and help with some of the daily chores at the Zoo.\n\nThe camp ends with a Starlight Safari Sleepover where kids can spend the night at the Zoo and learn about nocturnal animals. \n\nJr. Zookeeper Camp-March 16th -20th (Mon – Fri) – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.\nStarlight Safari Sleepover-March 21st (Sat) – 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.\nChildren must be 7 years or older to participate.\n\nTo register or for more information\, call or email the Education Department at (956) 548-WILD (9453) or educ@gpz.org.
URL:/event/jr-zookeeper-camp/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260430T084407
CREATED:20240131T152858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152714Z
UID:2658-1770195600-1770224400@gpz.org
SUMMARY:Winter Texan Discount Day
DESCRIPTION:Winter Texan Discount Day is a day set aside each year to celebrate and honor Winter Texans. On this day alone\, out-of-state residents can visit the Gladys Porter Zoo for the low price of only $8.00. \nAt this event\, the Zoo offers free activities with paid admission or membership\, entertainment\, refreshments\, and door prizes. Booths will be set up in the special events building with information on different places to visit in Brownsville and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley. It is a day full of fun and a perfect time for visiting residents to enjoy the Valley’s very own oasis. \nThank you to the run sponsors City of Brownsville\, and Visit Brownsville. \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/winter-texan-discount-day/
CATEGORIES:Event
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