Kids will have a howling good time at a birthday party at the Zoo. We've made it easy to plan a fun birthday party. Our birthday party packages provide all the party basics. Birthday parties are arranged by our Education Department. A deposit is required to reserve your party date. Please contact educ@gpz.org or our Education Department at (956) 548-WILD (9453) to schedule your birthday party.
Meetings or social events may be booked in the Education Building, at the Oasis (#1), Eagles Nest (#2), Asian Cafe (#3), or in the front of Small World. Rental fees for these areas are a minimum of $325 which includes the first two hours of use and $162.50 per each additional hour. This includes table and chair set up with proper prior notice and coordination, but additional fees will be charged if extensive decoration or set up are requested. Fee also includes one parking lot attendant and a Zoo employee on the grounds. Parties at any of the concessions food service areas will only be scheduled when the regular concessions business is closed in the selected area.
Food services may be catered by VZS Concessions. Catering can be done to meet the special needs of a social event. If an outside caterer is used, no food service areas may be utilized without a VZS Concessions employee being hired ($10.00 per hour) to coordinate the facility use and cleanup for the duration of the event.
Help us and help the animals! Gladys Porter Zoo invites you to help feed your favorite animal by participating in our exciting and rewarding Adopt-an-Animal program. Your tax deductible contribution helps to defray the cost of feeding and caring for the hundreds of animals in our care. Whether your gift buys grain or grubs, monkey chow or marmoset diet, crickets or corn, you will play an important role in the day-to-day activities of the Gladys Porter Zoo and in the future of the world's wildlife.
Don't forget to visit the Zoofari Gift Shop and pick up a souvenir to remember your amazing trip to the Gladys Porter Zoo. Our gift shop features many items such as t-shirts, stuffed animals, books, jewelry, toys and much more. Due to limited space, strollers are not allowed in the Gift Shop. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please ask one of the Gift Shop employees for help securing your stroller during your visit. Plans are underway for a more spacious gift facility, and this will not be a problem in the future.
Gift Shop
Event Rental
Group Tours