GLADYS PORTER ZOO

A day at the Zoo

BROWNSVILLE GREAT OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES

It’s The Perfect Weekend Afternoon

Rated as one of the nation's top-rated zoos. Gladys Porter has over 31 acres located in the town's Mitte Cultural District, a place fueled with entertainment. Some new zoo features include the Russell Aquatic and Ecology Center with its Stingray touch tank and a Giraffe Feeding Station. With anything from feeding the animals to guided tours, this attraction is the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon with the ones you love.
Once guests enter the zoo, they are automatically greeted by various unique animals. Visitors can quickly forget about any worries they may have and get the experience of feeling like a kid again. They can explore the zoo's wonders and get information from the friendly and very knowledgeable zoo keepers of the establishment. It's an area full of fun for the whole family to enjoy!

Like a good movie, the zoo helps guests escape the world's realities. The zoo provides an immersive experience where guests typically can get lost in the moment and appreciate their surroundings. Watching the animals never gets old because they are so entertaining and relaxing to watch. Visit Brownsville to experience this one-of-a-kind location.

Come and see why so many love this city!

Gladys Porter Zoo has been an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1978.

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. The Gladys Porter Zoo opened to the public on September 3, 1971. The facility was completely planned, built, stocked, equipped and then given to the City of Brownsville by the Earl C. Sams Foundation.
The Gladys Porter Zoo is owned by the City of Brownsville and is operated by the Board of Directors of the Valley Zoological Society. 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.

BROWNSVILLE GREAT OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES

There’s Always Something Happening Here!

During the spring and summer, the zoo is open daily, Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Once on the Zoo grounds, guests can stay until dusk. Regular admission for adults ages 14 – 64 is $15.50. Children ages 2 – 13 pay $9.50, and seniors 65 and over receive a discounted admission cost of $12.50. Children ages one and under are free. Group rates are also available.

All facilities within the zoo are accessible by wheelchair. If guests need a wheelchair, they are available for rent at the Zoofari Market Gift Shop. Guests are encouraged to bring their wheelchair, stroller or wagon. Cycles of any kind are not permitted in the location.

For visitors' convenience, concession stands are available with a wide variety of food and beverage options. The Oasis (main concession stand) and Lion's Pride (concession stand) are often the only food stands open, but many beverage vending machines are available throughout the area.

Visitors should note that the Coyote Cafe, the Asian Grille, Pizzooria, Dippin' Dots, and various extra food carts are closed and are re-open during peak visitation times. Outside drinks besides water are permitted in the zoo. No pets are allowed on Zoo grounds for the safety of the animals and the guests.

GLADYS PORTER ZOO

Map Out Your Plan in Advance

Download your Free Zoo Map

Gladys Porter Zoo is located at 500 Ringgold St., Brownsville, Texas and is easy to access from Expressway 77/83. From 77/83 take the 6th Street exit and proceed to Ringgold St., turn right and park.
Download the online Zoo map and plan your route through the Zoo!
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