Grandsons Jack and Felix at Gladys Porter Zoo 4 Years Ago

Lower Valley Discount Weekend

Celebrating 50 Years: Taking It Back to 1971!!!

September 3, 2021 marks the 50 year anniversary of the opening of the Gladys Porter Zoo! The staff at the Zoo is excited and ready to celebrate with the community. To commemorate this significant milestone, the Zoo will be charging the same admission rates visitors paid when the Zoo first opened its gates to the public in 1971.

On select weekends throughout the month of September, guests from various counties across the Rio Grande Valley will be treated to 1971 pricing when they visit the Zoo: $1.50 for adults ages 14 and up; 50 cents for children ages 2 through 13; and, children under two years of age are free!

Residents will need to show proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, utility receipt or school ID. At least one family member must show proof of residency at the gate.

There will even be a special weekend during the month of October when guests from outside the Rio Grande Valley can celebrate with us, still enjoying 1971 admission rates.