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Today, the Gladys Porter Zoo is one of the biggest attractions in the Rio Grande Valley.
The zoo has seen new residents in recent years such as Tookie Tookie, the zoo’s first toucan in 20 years, and Iggy, a male ocelot that arrived at the zoo in 2024. He is the second ocelot resident as the zoo previously made history in 2022 with the arrival of Leelou, a female ocelot who became the first-ever ocelot housed at GPZ.
There are also notable amenities such as opening of the highly-anticipated Soaring Eagle Zip Line and the Wild Explorer Virtual Reality Experience.
GPZ has also begun expanding, with plans to double the size of the zoo included among Brownsville’s various 10-year master plans discussed during the state of the city earlier this year.
In 2024, the Brownsville Independent School District sold Cummings Middle School to the zoo for $16 million to expand the animal exhibits, accommodating an African savanna with a watering hole for giraffes and other hoof stock as well as a forest to provide spacious facilities for two groups of West African lowland gorillas.
Other amenities include an entrance complex and a multi-level parking garage that will replace current zoo parking areas slated for conversion into new animal exhibits.
It’s an extraordinary development since the zoo opened its door to the Valley 55 years ago.
Below is The Brownsville Herald’s story on the zoo’s grand opening, which features coverage from the ribbon-cutting, from its Sept. 3, 1971 edition:
Gladys Porter Zoo Is Opened To Public Here
By John McAllister | The Brownsville Herald (Sept. 3, 1971)
The multi-million dollar Gladys Porter Zoo became the property of the people of Brownsville today (Sept. 3, 1971) during short ceremonies held at 10 a.m. at the zoological garden’s main gate.
Brownsville Mayor Dr. Earle Griffey accepted the Gladys Porter Zoo in the name of Brownsville and said, “It is in humble gratitude on behalf of Brownsville, the Valley and our neighbors in Mexico…” that the $5 million facility transferred ownership from the sponsoring Sams Foundation to the City.
Mayor Griffey also read a proclamation passed unanimously by the City Commission naming Friday, Sept. 3, 1971 as “Gladys Porter Day” in Brownsville.
At 7:30 p.m. today (Sept. 3, 1971) Mrs. Porter will receive further recognition at an appreciation banquet for the Sams Foundation sponsored by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. A large crowd is expected to attend the function that will be held at the International Friendship Gardens pavilion in Fort Brown.
The chief city executive extended his “sincere thanks” to Mrs. Porter and members of the Earl C. Sams Foundation and said the proclamation making today “Gladys Porter Day” is “…in recognition of the splendid projects…” sponsored for the City through the Sams Foundation.
Dedication ceremonies moderator David Scroggins, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce Bienvenidos Committee, initiated the 10 a.m. program that was preceded by a medley of music provided by the Brownsville High School Golden Eagle Band.
First to appear on the program was the Rev. Ed Robertson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Brownsville. Rev. Robertson said in his invocation that mankind was the “steward of creation” and praised all those persons who show “an interest and concern for living things.”
Saying that the Gladys Porter Zoo indicated a recognition of the “supreme value of life,” Rev. Robertson listed the values of the zoo as enjoyment, learning and laughter.
Scroggins drew applause from the crowd of about 250 persons when he said of Mrs. Porter, “We can be thankful you live in Brownsville and love the City…” enough to participate in constructing facilities to benefit the population.
A bronze plaque was then unveiled by Scott Woodbary, great-grandson of the late Earl C. Sams. The plaque was in recognition of the philanthropic ventures of the Sams Foundation and was read to the spectators by lay Rabbi Sam Perl.
Mrs. Porter then stepped to the microphone and read a poem entitled “Giving” written by C.W. Miller, a San Antonio poet.
The theme of the poem pointed to the value of gifts that “satisfy needs and give pleasure.”
Following Mayor Griffey’s proclamation making today (Sept. 3, 1971) Gladys Porter Day, a red, white, and blue ribbon was cut by the great-grandchildren of Earl C. Sams.
The Most Rev. John J. Fitzpatrick, Bishop of the Brownsville Roman Catholic diocese, delivered a dedicatory prayer in praise of the animals the Gladys Porter Zoo will shelter and said they “reflect the power, goodness, beauty and strength” of the animal kingdom.
Almost immediately after the ribbon cutting, lines began to form at the zoo ticket window.
First to enter the gate were Mayor and Mrs. Griffey. In a matter of minutes the first tours were winding their ways through the resaca-laced exhibit area and zoo parking lots were filling with autos carrying late arrivals.
The zoo now begins its public career and will be open year-round from 9:30 a.m. until dusk seven days a week.
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