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  • Ridley Rush

    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 [...]

  • Animal Play Day “World Giraffe Day”

    What is World Giraffe Day? It is a world-wide day of recognition for the longest necked animal on the planet. Take part in World Giraffe Day, established by the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. During World Giraffe Day, the Zoo will have our Giraffe Landing Feeding Experience open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds will go directly towards saving giraffes in Africa.  Kids can participate in activities like giraffe mask making, while learning about giraffe conservation. Giraffe are becoming one of the forgotten large mammals of the world. While everyone knows about the terrible waves of elephant poaching [...]

  • Kids Appreciation Day

    Featured

    22nd Annual Kids Appreciation Day Presented by H-E-B Join us at the Gladys Porter Zoo for our 22nd Annual Kids Appreciation Day! Designed to give Rio Grande Valley families a fun, educational day together while preparing for the upcoming school year, this event features free backpack giveaways, interactive learning stations, raffles, and new zoo attractions. Event Overview & Admission Details Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Location: Gladys Porter Zoo | Brownsville, Texas Admission Discounts & Special Passes H-E-B Coupon: Pick up a "Child Free with Paid Adult" admission coupon (for ages 2–13) at any H-E-B [...]

  • Brownsville Discount Days

    Save Big During Gladys Porter Zoo Discount Weekends! Gladys Porter Zoo shows their appreciation to the community by offering special discount admission prices for select weekends only. Guests can enjoy incredible savings from 62 to 89 percent off regular admission rates and step into the Zoo’s newest, wildly immersive attractions! Wild Explorer VR Experience brings global wildlife up close, while the canopy skywalk in El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco puts you directly beneath roaming ocelots. Admission for Brownsville residents will be only $2.00 per adult or child on September 11th, 12th and 13th, offered in special appreciation of the City of [...]

  • Lower Valley Appreciation Days

    Save Big During Gladys Porter Zoo Discount Weekends! Gladys Porter Zoo shows their appreciation to the community by offering special discount admission prices for select weekends only. Guests can enjoy incredible savings off regular admission rates and step into the Zoo’s newest, wildly immersive attractions! Wild Explorer VR Experience brings global wildlife up close, while the canopy skywalk in El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco puts you directly beneath roaming ocelots. On September 18th, 19th and 20th, Lower Valley Discount Days will be held for residents of Cameron County, Willacy County and Matamoros, Mexico. Admission will be $6.00 per adult (ages 14+) [...]

  • Upper Valley Appreciation Days

    Save Big During Gladys Porter Zoo Discount Weekends! Gladys Porter Zoo shows their appreciation to the community by offering special discount admission prices for select weekends only. Guests can enjoy incredible savings off regular admission rates and step into the Zoo’s newest, wildly immersive attractions! Wild Explorer VR Experience brings global wildlife up close, while the canopy skywalk in El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco puts you directly beneath roaming ocelots. Upper Valley residents can take advantage of this discount on October 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th. The admission rate will be $6.00 per adult and $4.00 per child for those living [...]

  • Boo at the Zoo

    The Gladys Porter Zoo will hold “Boo at the Zoo” celebration Friday, October 30th and Saturday, October 31st from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Become a Zoo member and you are eligible to come in early during the members’ only hour from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Come out for a ghoulish good time at this alternative way to trick-or-treat – perfect for kids, teens and families alike! Boo at the Zoo guests of all ages are encouraged to come out in their favorite Halloween costumes. There will be more than 50 different game and treat stations. Concessions Zoo Concessions will [...]

  • Wild Tales

    Featured

    One of the highest zoo attendance days for November is the day we hold our literacy event, Wild Tales. Over 3,000 people are present for the literacy and reading activities. The live animals and children’s book authors are the two main draws to the event. Over 1,000 children’s books are given out free to young readers. The Zoo also offers a discounted school admission rate for all guests on this day: $6.00 for elementary and middle school students, $6.00 for high school and college students, and $7.00 for adults. The event is free with paid Zoo admission. Members get in free. [...]