Donations are added to an endowment trust established to perpetuate the zoo, and the capital improvement needs are met by an annual fund-raising effort known as Zoofari. Sams Foundation and the Lightner Sams Foundation, contributions are received from the city of Brownsville and through membership subscriptions. In addition to the grants received from the Earl C. The animal collection is owned by the Valley Zoological Society, a nonprofit organization chartered by the state of Texas. The zoo buildings and land are owned by the city of Brownsville. The zoo was opened to the public on September 3, 1971, although building was not completed until 1972. The zoo's mission of education, research, conservation, and recreation is achieved through the efforts of the staff, the board of directors, and an active volunteer program.Ĭonstruction began in 1968. Thus the project not only served to establish the zoo but also aided in carrying out an urban-renewal program. She obtained the land from the city of Brownsville and loaned money to the city to help relocate families whose property was purchased for the zoo. Porter was closely involved with the planning, construction, and stocking of the zoo. She conceived the idea of a zoo for the Rio Grande valley at this time, and the members of the Sams Foundation decided this would be their next project. During her travels in the 1960s she became increasingly concerned about the plight of the world's wildlife. Gladys Sams Porter, in her position as president of the foundation, was instrumental in establishing the zoo. It is unique in that it was built, stocked, staffed, equipped, and then donated to the community by a single contributor, the Earl C. View our school rates and special programs for school groups on our Education page.The Gladys Porter Zoo, in Brownsville, covers 31½ acres. Only school groups that are part of a state accredited school or licensed preschool are eligible for the school rates. Gladys Porter Zoo offers special discounted admission rates to schools. Contact the Office Coordinator at (956) 546-7187 to schedule your group. Gladys Porter Zoo offers group rates for large parties.
to 5:30 p.m.Ĭurrently, because of safely protocols we are unable to give group rates.
Telephone (Information Recording): (956) 546-2177Įducation Department: (956) 548-WILD (9453)ĭuring the spring and summer we’ll be open daily, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. Gladys Porter Zoo has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1978. The Board of Directors is comprised of approximately 100 individuals who set Zoo policies and oversee that they are carried out in the best interest of the Gladys Porter Zoo and the purpose for which it was founded.
The Gladys Porter Zoo is owned by the City of Brownsville and is operated by the Board of Directors of the Valley Zoological Society. Additional Zoo facilities include: Administrative office, Education building, four concession stands, gift shop, maintenance facilities, animal diet kitchen, clinic and off-display breeding areas. The Gladys Porter Zoo is located on 31-acres in central Brownsville, Texas. Sams Foundation.Īn average of 432,000 local people and tourists visit the Zoo annually, with an attendance exceeding 500,000 in the year 2014. The facility was completely planned, built, stocked, equipped and then given to the City of Brownsville by the Earl C. The Gladys Porter Zoo opened to the public on September 3, 1971. The Gladys Porter Zoo is a visitor-oriented zoological and botanical park, dedicated to the preservation of nature through education, conservation, healthy outdoor recreation and research.
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