Gladys Porter is ready to host your next event. We have facilities on Zoo grounds available for rent to accommodate various types of events, such as birthday parties, weddings, quinceñeras, meetings and corporate retreats.

Let our staff cater to you at your next event. Our top-notch catering staff offers casual dining fare to exquisite sit-down dinners served with the highest quality service.

Birthday Parties
Kids will have a howling good time at a birthday party at the Zoo. We've made it easy to plan a fun birthday party. Our birthday party packages provide all the party basics. Birthday parties are arranged by our Education Department. A deposit is required to reserve your party date. Please contact educ@gpz.org or our Education Department at (956) 548-WILD (9453) to schedule your birthday party.

Facility Rental
Meetings or social events may be booked in the Education Building, at the Oasis (#1), Eagles Nest (#2), Asian Cafe (#3), or in the front of Small World. Rental fees for these areas are a minimum of $325 which includes the first two hours of use and $162.50 per each additional hour. This includes table and chair set up with proper prior notice and coordination, but additional fees will be charged if extensive decoration or set up are requested. Fee also includes one parking lot attendant and a Zoo employee on the grounds. Parties at any of the concessions food service areas will only be scheduled when the regular concessions business is closed in the selected area.

Social events like weddings may also be scheduled in the Special Events Building, a 5,000 square foot air conditioned enclosure on the Zoo grounds. This building holds up to 700 people in concert seating configuration or 350 people seated at tables, depending on type and arrangement. The rental fee for this building starts at $1,200 for the first four hours and $200 for each additional hour. Thirty tables and 250 chairs are available and included in the rental fee. Additional tables and chairs, if needed, may be rented from outside sources. Restrooms are available close to this building. Zoo personnel included with this rental fee include a parking lot attendant and a restroom/facility attendant. Decorating or setting up this building may be done on the day of the event after 9:00am. If more time is needed for decoration, the building may be reserved prior to the event for a fee of $100 per day.

Catering
Food services may be catered by VZS Concessions. Catering can be done to meet the special needs of a social event. If an outside caterer is used, no food service areas may be utilized without a VZS Concessions employee being hired ($10.00 per hour) to coordinate the facility use and cleanup for the duration of the event.