Events

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. At 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 [...]

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. The camp ends with a Starlight Safari Sleepover where kids can spend the night at the Zoo and learn about nocturnal animals. Jr. Zookeeper Camp-March 16th -20th (Mon - Fri) - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Starlight Safari Sleepover-March 21st (Sat) - 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 a.m. Children must be 7 years or older to participate. To register or [...]

The Gladys Porter Zoo is back with their annual 5K and 1-mile fun run to support ocelot conservation. The Ocelot 5K Run will take place on March 5th 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 5K run will be timed and the 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.

Easter Fun at the Gladys Porter Zoo During 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. Guests 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. Zookeepers will be conducting an Animal Play Day on April 5th. [...]

Party for the Planet is the Zoo’s celebration of Earth Day where we bring eco-conscious members of the community together to help share the message of conservation.  From 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. the Zoo will spotlight conservation with fun activities, face painting, and contests for children. Local organizations will also be present to discuss the importance of going green and how visitors can help preserve the Earth’s resources for a better environment. Again this year, we will have activities for Girl Scouts to help them accomplish 90 to 100% of their badge requirements.

Brew at the Zoo: Raise your glass for animal conservation! Presented by Whataburger The Gladys Porter Zoo invites you to Brew at the Zoo on Saturday, May 16th from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with music until 11:00 p.m. Support your local Zoo and quench your thirst by sipping on specially selected premium and craft beer samples and delicious food tastings from amazing chefs and restaurants. Only a few of the top Rio Grande Valley restaurants will be competing in this “feast with the beasts.” The Zoo is working with L&F Distributors to curate a special selection of light beers that [...]

You are invited to join us for our 10th Annual Ridley Rush 5K/1-Mile Walk/Run presented by Chick-Fil-A.  This family fun run aims to raise awareness for the endangered Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle.  The Ridley Rush route will take you through the beautiful and scenic Mitte Cultural District and Gladys Porter Zoo as you experience what a baby sea turtle must endure in its rush to the ocean. As federal and state funds have dwindled over the years, this direct funding has become mission-critical to sustain Kemp’s Ridley Project and provide support to other sea turtle projects. The Kemp’s Ridley Project has both [...]