The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE GLADYS PORTER ZOO
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HON. FILEMON VELA
of texas
in the house of representatives
Thursday, September 23, 2021
Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding work and lasting impact of the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Since its opening in 1971, the Gladys Porter Zoo has served as a pillar of the community, committed to the preservation of nature through research, conservation, and education.
The founder of the zoo, Gladys Porter, was an active philanthropist responsible for administering the funds established by her father's foundation, the Earl C. Sams Foundation. In the 1960s, Gladys and her husband Dean enjoyed traveling the world. Their love of traveling led to a passion and appreciation for nature and wildlife. As the vision for a zoo in the Rio Grande Valley came to fruition, Gladys and members of the Sams Foundation planned the project. Mrs. Porter was highly involved in the process of the zoo's planning, construction, stocking, and equipping. Upon the Gladys Porter Zoo's completion, it was given to the City of Brownsville by the Sams Foundation.
The opening of the zoo was met with critical acclaim. In 1972, the zoo published its first newsletter entitled the `Zoo News'. The newsletter is still circulated as a quarterly publication and provides zoo members updates on the animals. In light of the energy crisis in 1974, the zoo launched the ``Adopt-an-Animal'' program. This program is still widely popular today and encourages school groups, families, and individuals to ``adopt'' an animal, and financially support it for a year. In 1978, the zoo expanded its community education efforts by starting summer-study programs. These programs are focused on providing students with a hands-on learning experience through face-to-face engagement with the animals, indoor overnight camping, night tours of the zoo, and internship opportunities. The program has since grown in enrollment and is now offered to all youth grades K-12 in the spring, summer, and fall. These examples exemplify the zoo's continued commitment to public service and community engagement.
In addition to the zoo's involvement with the community, the Gladys Porter Zoo has remarkably carried out its conservation mission by contributing to various projects focused on preserving endangered species. Joint ventures between the zoo staff and Mexican authorities in the conservation efforts of the rare Coahuilan box turtle and Atlantic Ridley sea turtle led to recognition from both the United States and Mexican government. The zoo has also contributed to preservation efforts of endangered and threatened species including, the Western lowland gorillas, Philippine crocodiles, and Rhino hornbills. Over the years, the Gladys Porter Zoo has contributed funds to projects that specifically focus on animals in need of attention. These contributions include funding to Dr. Edward Louis, Jr. in support of his work with Galapagos tortoises, and the International Iguana Foundation, which actively works to conserve iguanas and their habitats.
Madam Speaker, the Gladys Porter Zoo is a cultural staple for the Rio Grande Valley, while also serving the world of wildlife preservation, zoology, research, and education in countless ways. For 50 years, the Gladys Porter Zoo has proven to be a world-class zoological and botanical park through its exceptional work in wildlife preservation, research, education, and the community. I congratulate them on reaching this 50-year milestone; and for their continued efforts to support and educate the South Texas community on the need for conservation and preservation of our wildlife and planet.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 165
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