Gladys Porter Zoo News Updates http://www.gpz.org Committee members need your support to make the Zoo’s annual Zoofari fundraiser a success. Donations are being accepted for our live, blackboard and online auctions. Select auction items will be available for preview, bid or absentee bid at our online auction that will run from September 8th to September 29th. The live event will take place on October 1st and 2nd, 2010. Zoofari is two-evenings of fun, food, music and auctions. Everyone is invited to discover and support the Zoo at the annual fundraiser. This year’s proceeds are earmarked to benefit our South Texas Discovery Education Center. http://www.biddingforgood.com/zoofari/zoofari10 The new Giraffe Landing Feeding Experience allows visitors to get up close and personal with the Gladys Porter Zoo’s giraffe herd. Visitors stand on a specially built, ADA-accessible platform to provide a safe and meaningful animal feeding opportunity. Feedings cost three dollars for giraffe treats, with regular Zoo admission or Zoo membership. Giraffe Landing will be open on weekends and special engagements from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., weather permitting. http://www.gpz.org Gladys Porter Zoo is excited to invite the public to celebrate the grand opening of the Zoo’s newest attraction the South Texas Botanical Exhibit and Park. The park features an enchanted South Texas themed playground and is nestled in an area landscaped with native plants. It is located adjacent to the butterfly garden and recently re-opened Butterflies, Bugs and Blooms exhibit. The playground is one-of-a-kind, and contains sensational play structures. Among them is a 22-foot-tall Discovery Tree with multiple slides, a sliding pole, and lots of ADA features. An elevated walkway connects the Discovery Tree to the ClubHouse which features a slide, a talk tube and secret alcove. There is also a whimsical Castaway Boat with all the bells and whistles that will totally captivate toddlers. Playground visitors can also cool off under the refreshing water misters at Martha’s Cove. Zoo staff has been working for months to convert a former railroad track area donated by the City of Brownsville into a beautiful park for visitors to enjoy. The play structures were created by Themescapes, Inc. a Minnesota-based company specializing in themed amusement parks, waterparks, hotels, casinos, restaurants, zoos and museums across the world. The South Texas Botanical Exhibit and Park was made possible by grant funds and generous contributions from over 40 donors. The park will be open during regular Zoo hours. Admission is free with regular Zoo admission or Zoo membership. http://www.gpz.org/news.html