![]() ![]() “We prioritized the major improvements into a phasing plan and created a rough … cost to implement the plan,” Dertinger said. Jay Dertinger, an architect with PJA, a Seattle-based architecture firm that specializes in zoo design, said there are many improvements recommended that could be made within the existing property footprint. ![]() “That’s what we’re trying to avoid with many of these charismatic animals,” Burchfield said last Tuesday during the Brownsville City Commission meeting. ![]() Patrick Burchfield, executive director of the Gladys Porter Zoo, explains that the African elephants were lost due to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ accreditation process, which deemed the elephants did not have enough space. ![]() The lion exhibit, which is currently 950 square feet, now needs to be a minimum of 10,000 square feet. However, Burchfield said standards change, and in order to keep its accreditation status, the zoo must upgrade several of its exhibits, including the lion habitat and the Small World petting zoo. We’re known worldwide because of the excellent programs for breeding rare and endangered species, our conservation work.”īurchfield said the zoo won awards when it was first built for being “on the forefront” of design and that it now serves as an “economic engine” for Brownsville by bringing in tourism, providing jobs and dealing with local vendors.Īdditionally, of the 2,000 facilities nationwide to use the word “zoo” in its title, Gladys Porter Zoo is one of only 240 to be accredited, meaning it meets high standards of animal welfare, husbandry and exhibitry. “I wanna send out our sincere appreciation for your realizing the value of our Gladys Porter Zoo to both Brownsville the Rio Grande Valley,” said Patrick Burchfield, director of the zoo. The phased plan for the existing zoo is estimated to cost $30.84 million and outlines ideas for new and improved exhibits, a zipline and rentable spaces for events.Įxpansion of the zoo is estimated to cost over $130 million and would create room for visitor amenities, new exhibits, a tunnel under Ringgold Street, a themed hotel and more.Ĭommissioners approved the master plan on first reading. The Gladys Porter Zoo staff would like to thank sponsors, McDonald’s RGV Owner Operators, Brownsville Public Utilities Board, H-E-B, KVEO-Local 23, CBS 4, Digital 101.5 and the City of Brownsville, for their generous donations that helped make this event possible.įor more information, please visit or call (956) 546-7187.Officials from the Gladys Porter Zoo, a constant in Brownsville for just over 50 years, presented highlights from a master plan to renovate and potentially expand the zoo during last Tuesday’s city commission meeting. The toy must be valued at $5 or higher-only one free admission will be granted per toy donation. Guests can receive free admission by donating a new, unwrapped toy for the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. Zoo Members get in free with their membership cards. Tickets for Zoo Nights and Lights are now available on the Zoo’s website, or they can be purchased at the gate. The price of admission for this event is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Unfortunately, there will not be a cookie decorating station this year, but children will receive a coupon for a free cookie from McDonald’s. Zoo staff will also be competing in a Christmas tree decorating contest, and guests will be able to vote for their favorite tree. Visitors can shop for unique holiday gifts at the arts and crafts show and the Zoo gift shop. There will be live musical and dance performances, Christmas karaoke and book readings. The public is invited to stroll through the Zoo’s pathways, filled with brilliant light displays. The scheduled weekends are December 3rd-5th and 10th-12th from 6 p.m. In order to spread out attendance and give guests more opportunities to visit, Zoo Nights and Lights will be held for two weekends rather than one. This year, the Gladys Porter Zoo is doing things a bit differently. This family-friendly event offers holiday spirit and fun for guests of all ages as well as a romantic setting for a date night. The Gladys Porter Zoo will be hosting its annual holiday celebration, Zoo Nights and Lights. ![]()
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