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X-WR-CALNAME:Gladys Porter Zoo
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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Gladys Porter Zoo
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260516T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260516T220000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20240430T225217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T165404Z
UID:2792-1778958000-1778968800@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Brew at the Zoo
DESCRIPTION:Brew at the Zoo 2026\nThe Ultimate Wildlife Conservation Fundraiser\nPresented by Whataburger \nJoin Gladys Porter Zoo and presenting sponsor Whataburger for the 12th Annual Brew at the Zoo in Brownsville\, Texas! This 21+ event combines craft beer\, local flavors\, and high-energy entertainment to support vital wildlife conservation efforts. \n\nDate: Saturday\, May 16\, 2026\nTime: 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Live music continues until 11:00 p.m.)\nLocation: Gladys Porter Zoo\, Brownsville\, Texas\n\nExperience the Feast with the Beasts\nSample a curated selection of 24 premium and craft beers from L&F Distributors while 24 of the Rio Grande Valley’s best restaurants compete for the People’s Choice Award.  We are incredibly grateful to these partners for donating their time and delicious food to support wildlife conservation: \n\nBBQ & Comfort Favorites: Texas Roadhouse\, Reyna’s BBQ & Cocina\, Barnyard Burgers\, and Black Bear Diner.\nInternational Flavors: Mod Dang Thai\, Teriyaki Madness\, Jolie Petite\, and Ramses Tacos & Tequila.\nPub Grub & Wings: Brewskies Pub & Eatery\, Hooters\, Buffalo Wild Wings to Go\, Wing Barn\, and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.\nTacos & Coastal Eats: Taqueria la Bravo\, Chef Ricardo’s Tacos and Beer\, and El Amigo Seafood.\nQuick Bites & Fast Casual: Dave’s Hot Chicken\, Wienerschnitzel\, Applebee’s\, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen\, H-E-B Flaming Bird\, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe.\nSpecial Guest: 2025 People’s Choice Award Winner: Yo Momma’s Cookin’!\n\nRefreshment Station   \nIn addition to our curated craft beer selection\, upgrade your aesthetic with these must try specialties:  \n\nWhataburger “Whatafreshers”: Try the Southwest-inspired Prickly Pear Raspberry or the Strawberry Hibiscus with real fruit inclusions.\nLos Trevi Drive-Thru: Authentic Estrella Jalisco micheladas from the iconic Michelada Combi.\n\nHigh-Energy Entertainment Zones\n\nSound & Stages: Live sets from Back to Riverdale\, The Reynalds\, and Reserve\, plus an EDM dance party with DJ Akasha.\nThe Spectacle: Catch the Reinas de Saba fire dancing sets in the Amphitheater.\nThe Social Yard: Friendly competition featuring an H-E-B Beer Pong Tournament\, karaoke\, and viral tabletop games like What Do You Meme.\nThe Thrill Zone: Axe throwing\, a mechanical bull\, and the Soaring Eagle Zipline ($15.00 fee for General Admission).\nDigital Memories Zone: Capture the night at five curated selfie stations or our 360-degree photo booth.\n\nTicket Information\nBrew at the Zoo is a 21+ event. Tickets sell out quickly—secure yours early! \n\nPre-sale Tickets: $40.00\nAt the Gate: $60.00 (if available)\nVIP Experience ($100.00): Limited to 100 guests. Includes fast-pass access to all lines\, private stage-side seating\, an animal feeding session\, and a complimentary zipline ride.\n\nPRESALE TICKETS\nVIP TICKETS\nOur Sponsors\nThis event is made possible by Whataburger\, the City of Brownsville\, Visit Brownsville\, L&F Distributors\, H-E-B\, SpaceX\, and the Brownsville Public Utilities Board. \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/brew-at-the-zoo/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260510T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20200320T105445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T155056Z
UID:2172-1778400000-1778432400@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Animal Play Day “Mother’s Day… M.O.M.”
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Mother’s Day themed Animal Play Day at the Orangutan Palapa. Participate in fun educational activities and coloring from 11:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Orangutan Palapa.  Our mother and daughter orangutan pair will be also receiving enrichment from their keepers at the following times: \n11:00 a.m.\, 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. \nOrangutans are facing a crisis in the wild due to the loss of their rain forest home to make space for palm oil plantations. The cutting down and burning of the rain forest for these plantations leaves many orangutans homeless and/or orphaned. This event is free with the purchase of general admission or Zoo membership. We will be accepting donations for the Missing Orangutan Mothers campaign.
URL:/event/animal-play-day-mothers-day-m-o-m/
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260508
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20260507T183126Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260507T183252Z
UID:3156-1778198400-1778457599@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Brownsville Appreciation Weekend
DESCRIPTION:Gladys Porter Zoo Celebrates “Brownsville Appreciation Weekend” to Honor Vital City Partnership \nFrom the modernization of essential water and wastewater infrastructure to the visionary investment in the Zoo’s Master Plan\, the City of Brownsville has been an indispensable partner in the Gladys Porter Zoo’s forward momentum. As a heartfelt thank you for this steadfast support and the City’s commitment to the Zoo’s comprehensive redevelopment\, the Zoo is proud to host Brownsville Appreciation Weekend on May 8th\, 9th\, and 10th. \n“The progress we are seeing today\, including the revitalization of our existing habitats and the critical infrastructure grants that keep our gates open\, is a direct result of our partnership with the City of Brownsville\,” says Zoo Director Dr. Patrick M. Burchfield. “This weekend\, we invite the community to see how their support is improving the Gladys Porter Zoo.” \nDuring this exclusive three-day event\, Brownsville residents are invited to explore the Zoo for a special discounted rate: \n\nAdmission Price: $4.00 per person for both adults and children.\nEligibility: Exclusive to residents of Brownsville.\nRequirements: Guests must present proof of residency\, such as a driver’s license or utility bill\, at the gate; only one person per group is required to show proof.\n\nResidents can experience the thrill of the Soaring Eagle Zipline\, which served as the pivotal first step in the Zoo’s master plan and takes guests 120 feet into the air for a bird’s-eye view of the park. Visitors can also look forward to the upcoming grand opening of El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco Phase II in August 2026. In the meantime\, guests can discover new additions like the guira cuckoo in the Tropical American aviary and a new reticulated python in the herpetarium. A number of newborn babies are currently on display for visitors to observe\, such as black and white ruffed lemurs that are so adorable. \nAs an added celebration\, the Zoo will host a Mother’s Day themed Animal Play Day on Sunday\, May 10th. \nFor those who cannot make it this weekend\, another opportunity for regional discounts will be available later this fall. For more information\, please contact the Marketing Department at (956) 546-7187
URL:/event/brownsville-appreciation-weekend/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260418T140000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20240326T150010Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T151009Z
UID:610-1776506400-1776520800@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Party For the Planet
DESCRIPTION:Party for the Planet: Zoo Celebrates Earth Day! \nThe Gladys Porter Zoo will be celebrating Earth Day with their annual event\, Party for the Planet\, presented by Chick-Fil-A on Saturday\, April 18th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be various games and activities throughout the Zoo grounds for guests to enjoy and learn about the many ways they can help preserve the planet. \nKids can make their seed bombs to toss in their backyard or play a recycling relay race\, to name a few activities. Local beekeepers\, gardeners\, and other eco-exhibitors will also be on-site to educate the public about various ways to help native wildlife\, especially pollinators. \n“The Gladys Porter Zoo is excited to celebrate Earth Day by hosting Party for the Planet. At this event\, our goal is to teach the public about the importance of conserving the Earth and the many ways they can do it while having fun with the entire family\,” said Cynthia Garza-Galvan\, Marketing Director. \nAnother great component of this event is that Girl Scouts will be able to accomplish 90 to 100 percent of the requirements to earn a badge. \n \nIt will be a fun and exciting experience for the whole family to enjoy! \nThank you to our sponsors Chick-Fil-A\, Brownsville Public Utilities Board\, City of Brownsville\, and Visit Brownsville. \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/party-for-the-planet/
LOCATION:Gladys Porter Zoo\, 500 E Ringgold St\,\, BROWNSVILLE\, TX\, 78520\, United States
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260404T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260405T150000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20240319T154830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T151445Z
UID:2762-1775296800-1775401200@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Bunny Corral & Easter Animal Playday
DESCRIPTION:Easter Fun at the Gladys Porter Zoo \nDuring Easter weekend\, hop on over to the Gladys Porter Zoo! From April 4th & 5th\, visitors can enjoy the annual Bunny Corral and Animal Play Day. \nGuests can visit the Bunny Corral\, which will be across from Small World! Zoo staff will set up a cozy corral These adorable bunnies will be available to pet on April 4th & 5th from 10:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M. Docents and Zoo staff will be at hand to answer any questions about these furry creatures. \nZookeepers will be conducting an Animal Play Day on April 5th. Please join the Zoo as we celebrate Easter with treats and gifts for our animals. During the day\, keepers will be distributing Easter-themed enrichment items to animals\, large and small\, throughout the Zoo. \nAnimal Play Days are scheduled events where Zoo animals are given an enrichment item that has a specific theme. Animal enrichment provides novel food and play items to stimulate and entertain Zoo inhabitants. It is performed daily at the Zoo and is a vital component essential to the health and well-being of the animals. \nThank you to the run sponsors City of Brownsville\, and Visit Brownsville.  Hope to see you there in your best bunny attire! \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation. \nAll activities are free to visitors with paid regular admission or Zoo membership. For more information\, call the Gladys Porter Zoo at (956) 546-7187.
URL:/event/bunny-corral-easter-animal-playday/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T073000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260307T100000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20230305T133029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152145Z
UID:2435-1772868600-1772877600@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Ocelot Run 5K / 1 Mile
DESCRIPTION:The Gladys Porter Zoo\, presented by Chick-Fil-A is back with its annual 5K and 1-mile fun run to support ocelot conservation. The Ocelot 5K Run will take place on March 7th starting at 7:30 a.m.\, and the 1-mile fun run will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Gladys Porter Zoo. The run will begin in the Zoo’s parking lot. \nThe 5K route will take guests through some of the most popular areas around the Mitte Cultural District before leading them into the scenic Gladys Porter Zoo for the final stretch. The 1-mile route will take guests through a fun and colorful run around the Zoo. \nThe 5K run will be timed. Although all participants will receive a medal at the finish line\, additional distinctive medals will be awarded to the top three runners of each age group and the top three overall males and females. Runners will receive a timing chip\, which will accurately record each runner’s time. A link will be provided on the Zoo’s website to access the results\, certificate\, and digital photo finish. \nThe cost to participate in the 5K run is only $35.00 and $30.00 for the 1-mile run per runner. This cost covers the entrance to the Zoo\, a limited edition dri-fit ocelot shirt\, a race bib\, and a race medal. Runners of all ages are encouraged to participate in ocelot attire or costumes. Registration for the Ocelot Run is open. \nPacket Pick-up\nPacket pick-up will be in the Meadows Room at the Gladys Porter Zoo. \nProceeds from this event directly benefit the Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge and their efforts towards ocelot conservation.  Thank you to the run sponsors Chick-Fil-A\, H-E-B Helping Here\, BPUB\, City of Brownsville\, Valley Central and Visit Brownsville.  Hope to see you there in your best ocelot attire! \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/ocelot-run-5k-1-mile/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260216T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260220T160000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20240227T182535Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152333Z
UID:2752-1771228800-1771603200@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Jr. Zookeeper Camp
DESCRIPTION:This Spring Break\, your child can join the few\, the proud\, and the hard-working zookeepers at the Gladys Porter Zoo! Find out what it takes to take care of wild animals and help with some of the daily chores at the Zoo.\n\nThe camp ends with a Starlight Safari Sleepover where kids can spend the night at the Zoo and learn about nocturnal animals. \n\nJr. Zookeeper Camp-March 16th -20th (Mon – Fri) – 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.\nStarlight Safari Sleepover-March 21st (Sat) – 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 a.m.\nChildren must be 7 years or older to participate.\n\nTo register or for more information\, call or email the Education Department at (956) 548-WILD (9453) or educ@gpz.org.
URL:/event/jr-zookeeper-camp/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260204T170000
DTSTAMP:20260601T142758
CREATED:20240131T152858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T152714Z
UID:2658-1770195600-1770224400@www.gpz.org
SUMMARY:Winter Texan Discount Day
DESCRIPTION:Winter Texan Discount Day is a day set aside each year to celebrate and honor Winter Texans. On this day alone\, out-of-state residents can visit the Gladys Porter Zoo for the low price of only $8.00. \nAt this event\, the Zoo offers free activities with paid admission or membership\, entertainment\, refreshments\, and door prizes. Booths will be set up in the special events building with information on different places to visit in Brownsville and the rest of the Rio Grande Valley. It is a day full of fun and a perfect time for visiting residents to enjoy the Valley’s very own oasis. \nThank you to the run sponsors City of Brownsville\, and Visit Brownsville. \nStay in Brownsville\nBrownsville is the perfect family-friendly getaway with a multitude of attractions within walking distance of the Zoo.  Support the Gladys Porter Zoo by using this link to make your hotel reservation.
URL:/event/winter-texan-discount-day/
CATEGORIES:Event
END:VEVENT
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