Saturday Morning Safari - Click Here For Details.
Enroll your child for Saturday morning fun at the Zoo! January thru May 2008

Summer Safari - June thru August 2008
For kids starting at age 4, this exciting summer program offers sessions full of games, stories, zoo tours, and up-close encounters with animals. DOWNLOAD:> 2008 Summer Safari.

Starlight Safari Sleepover
For groups with kids ages 7 and up. Spend a WILD night at the Zoo and enjoy a pizza party, flashlight tour of the zoo, and a "batty" bed-time story. After "indoor-camping," participants eat an outdoor breakfast and receive a certificate. This is a very popular program for scouts and other youth organizations.
FEE: $25 per person, with a minimum group size of 15 people. The minimum rate for groups smaller than 15 is $375. Contact us to request more information and receive a registration form. These events fill up early, so two weeks advanced notice is recommended call (956) 548-WILD (9453).

Summer Teen Volunteers
The Summer Teen Volunteer Program is an eight week program for students entering 8th-12th grade. Approximately 30 young people are selected each summer to work in special areas of the Zoo. This is a very competitive program. All teens interested must complete a special application form, submit a recommendation form to be filled out by a non-family member and submit a recent proof of negative TB test. For more information, contact the Education Department at (956) 548-9453 or Educ@gpz.org. The Education Department also has other volunteer opportunities available for adults.

ESPECIALLY FOR SCHOOL GROUPS

Gladys Porter Zoo offers special discounted admission rates to schools. Only school groups that are part of a state accredited school or licensed preschool are eligible for the school rates.

Admission for School Groups
Speed up your trip by taking advantage of our Express Service. Simply pre-register and pay for your group 24 hours in advance. To sign up for Express Service use our Scheduling Your Field Trip & Invoice (PDF) form.

School Rates
Discounted school rates are as follows: 8th grade and below $3.50 per student / 9th grade and above $4.00 per student. Each class of ten or more students receives two free passes for teachers/adults; extra adults and teachers pay only $5.00 each. Single payment is required to receive discounted rate.

Inquiries about school programs and best times to visit the Zoo, or for information about your school district becoming a member of "Partners in Conservation through Education" and receive further discounts and services, contact us at (956) 548-WILD or Educ@gpz.org.

ENHANCE YOUR GROUP'S VISIT TO THE ZOO

Students Teaching Students (STS)
STS is a program offered in the Zoo amphitheater that includes animal information and the chance to get a close look at - and even touch - live animals. Presenters will answer audience questions. This unique program is presented by teams of college, high school, and middle school students. Presentations are appropriate for all age levels, and pre-registration is not needed but is recommended in busy spring months. No additional charge.
TIMES
Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30a.m. and 10:15a.m.
Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30p.m. and 2:15p.m.

Slide/Video Presentations
Trained Zoo staff and volunteers introduce students to the Zoo through slides, biofacts, and puppet shows during these 20-30 minute presentations. Please contact us at (956) 548-WILD or Educ@gpz.org at least two weeks prior to your planned visit to reserve a spot for your class. There is a limit of 50 people per presentation. No additional charge.
Topics and Grade
Critter Coverings (PreK-2)
Spots and Stripes (PreK-2)
Animal Babies (K-3)
Bats: Myths and Reality (K-3)
Amazing Tigers (3-4)
What's the Difference? (4-6)
Animal Defenses (4-6)
Tigers at Risk (5-6)

Classes
Several different 2-3 hour long classes have been designed to give your students an individualized educational experience on a specific subject. Classes include instructions, games, activity sheets and a Zoo tour that relates to the lesson material.
Topics and Grade:
One By One (PreK & Kinder)
Let's Go Ape (1st & 2nd)
Where Are The Trees? (3rd& 4th)
Classy Critters (5th & 6th)
There Is Still Time! (5th & 6th)
Zoo Careers (7th to 12th)
Junior Zookeepers (5th to 12th)
Please contact us at (956) 548-WILD or Educ@gpz.org for details and fee information.

Teacher Workshops
Learn creative ways to teach elementary school children. Workshops are offered to Brownsville teachers, however anyone interested in teaching about animals and the Zoo is encouraged to participate.

OUTREACH PRESENTATIONS
The Education Department offers short animal presentations on site for school groups, retirement communities, and special schools whenever possible. Call for rates.

PUBLICATIONS

ZooXtra
This is the children's page in the Zoo's member magazine ZooNews. It contains animal information, puzzles and games especially for kids and their parents.

ZooPage
Very similar to the ZooXtra, this page is printed Valley-wide each month in the Valley Morning Star, and the Brownsville Herald newspapers.