In a mere ¾ mile trek, a visitor to the Gladys Porter Zoo will encounter a diverse ensemble of 377 species of animals and 225 species of plants. The park is divided into four zoogeographic areas: Africa, Asia, Tropical America and Indo-Australia. There is also a Herpetarium and Aquatic Wing, a Free-flight Aviary, Macaw Canyon, Bear Grottos, a California Sea Lion exhibit and Komodo dragon exhibit. Small World features a nursery and an animal contact yard where children can touch and interact with domesticated animals.
The zoo is named after Gladys Porter, the daughter of Earl C. Sams, former president of JCPenney. Porter, a wildlife enthusiast, helped to plan and stock the zoo, which was entirely funded by the Earl C. Sams Foundation.
Open Mon-Fri, 9 am - 5 pm, Sat-Sun, 9 am - 5:30 pm Admission Adults: $9, Children (2-13) $6, Children under 2 free, Seniors (over 65): $7. 50.
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