Aquarium, Arboretum, Children's, Zoo
Over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles, invertebrates, fish and amphibians live in this lushly planted sub-tropical zoo and botanical garden. Emphasis is placed on creating a "survival center" for rare and endangered species. The multi-million dollar facility was built, stocked, staffed and then given to the citizens of South Texas in 1971 by the Earl C. Sams Foundation. Numerous awards have been bestowed on the Gladys Porter Zoo for the breeding of rare and difficult species. An average of 360,000 guests visit the Zoo annually. The Zoo's mission statement reads: Gladys Porter Zoo.....a visitor oriented zoological and botanical park dedicated to the preservation of nature through education, conservation and research.....