Party for the Planet is the premier Earth Day celebration at the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas. As an AZA-accredited institution, we join hundreds of zoos across North America to spotlight wildlife conservation.

This year, our event focuses on Protecting Pollinators—the tiny heroes responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. Join us to discover how you can support our local ecosystem and the global food supply.

• Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
• Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Gladys Porter Zoo, Brownsville, Texas
• Theme: Help Our Planet Bloom: Protecting Pollinators Together

Activities and Conservation Highlights

Experience a day filled with hands-on learning and environmental action. Our 2026 lineup includes:

• Become a Pollinator Rescue Ranger: Step up as a frontline defender for the Monarch butterfly—a threatened AZA SAFE species. Visit our “Action Stations” to earn your title!
• Seed Bomb Station: Create your own native wildflower “launchers” to kickstart a pollinator habitat in your own backyard.
• Recycle Relay Race: Team up for this high-energy challenge and learn how to sort waste like a pro.
• Native Plant “Spin to Win”: Visit our raffle station for a chance to Spin to Win a native Rio Grande Valley plant! We have a limit of 100 winners, so arrive early to help your backyard bloom.
• Expert Presentations: Dive deeper into sustainable living with “How-To” talks on Vermicomposting (composting with worms!), effective recycling habits, and the fight against ocean debris in our Gulf waters.
• Monarch Butterfly Migration: Discover why Brownsville is a critical “butterfly highway” and how your garden serves as a vital pit-stop for migratory species.
• Keeper Chats: Hear directly from our animal experts about how we care for species and their habitats every day.

Scout Badge Requirements at the Zoo

Are you looking for Scout badge opportunities in South Texas? Gladys Porter Zoo is the ultimate outdoor classroom for Girl Scouts and Scouting America (BSA).

• 90% to 100% Completion: Our specialized stations are designed to help Scouts finish nearly all requirements for badges in Gardening, Birding, Eco-Learning, and Environmental Science.
• Global Action Award: Older scouts (Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors) can complete their Global Action Award requirements by exploring our Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) displays.

Note: Pre-registration is required for troops to receive official event patches and guided requirement checklists. Registration is now closed. (Check back next year!)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I celebrate Earth Day in Brownsville, Texas? The best place to celebrate Earth Day in Brownsville is at the Gladys Porter Zoo’s Party for the Planet. It features family-friendly activities, conservation education, and native plant giveaways.

How can I help Monarch butterflies in the Rio Grande Valley? You can help Monarchs by planting native milkweed and nectar-rich flowers to provide them with a “refueling station” during their long journey. Because Monarchs are an AZA SAFE (Saving Animals From Extinction) species, they are a high-priority focus for accredited zoos across the country. Visit the Gladys Porter Zoo during Party for the Planet to learn about our “Pollinator Rescue Ranger” mission and find out how your own backyard can become a critical part of this international conservation effort.

Is Party for the Planet free? The event is free with paid Zoo admission or membership.

Plan Your Visit

Don’t miss the chance to make every day an Earth Day. Join us at the Gladys Porter Zoo to learn how you can go green and support our planet’s biodiversity.

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Coming from out of town? 

Make it a conservation weekend! Turn your trip to the Zoo into a mini-vacation and explore everything our city has to offer. Check out the best local accommodations and plan your overnight stay at Stay in Brownsville.