Gladys Porter Zoo News Updates http://www.gpz.org The Gladys Porter Zoo welcomed two toothy friends. Blade and Suede, a pair of critically endangered Orinoco crocodiles native to Venezuela, were greeted by Zoo staff and visitors at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2011. The large crocodiles and their crates were lifted via crane into their newly renovated exhibit and were immediately released to enjoy some filtered South Texas sunshine. As of that afternoon they both seemed to be enjoying their new quarters. These rare Orinoco crocodiles were previous residents of the Seaway Serpentarium in Welland, Canada. Karel Fortyn, former owner of Seaway Serpentarium, passed away suddenly in May leaving behind hundreds of animals, including Blade and Suede. The crocodiles had been rapidly outgrowing their tanks, and before his death, Mr. Fortyn had been planning to build them a new facility. But after his death, the need to move them became urgent. Just two days prior to their release into their new zoo exhibit, a team of crocodile experts from both the U.S. and Canada worked together to extract Blade and Suede from their previous quarters in Canada. They successfully put them into individual crates and drove immediately for the United States. After being cleared by Customs on both sides of the border and by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Buffalo, New York, the crocs and four staff members from the Gladys Porter Zoo made a bee line for Brownsville. The crew arrived Wednesdayin at 3:30 am and Blade and Suede were exploring their new facilities by late morning. Blade and Suede join just a small handful of other Orinoco crocodiles in captivity in North America, and it is hoped that they will soon reproduce. However, blood samples were taken before their release in order to determine if they are related – a factor to be considered to ensure genetic diversity of the species in captivity. The species is listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered, and is in serious peril throughout its range. In the early 1990s, fewer than 1,500 non-hatchlings survived in the wild. Some estimate that the wild population may have been as low as 250 adults. Despite proactive conservation measures, declines and fragmentation of the wild population continues. http://gpz.org/news.html All residents living in the Rio Grande Valley for the winter will be able to visit the Zoo for the special admission price of $4.50. Residents will need to show proof of out of state residency. Identification such as a driver's license, utility receipt or school ID will suffice. At least one family member must show proof of residency at the gate. 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