Sams (dollar for dollar up to $2 million) and the Lightner Sams Foundation (dollar for dollar up to $1 million). In 1986, the zoo created an endowment fund with the help of matching grants from the Earl C. Most of these projects were made possible by the zoo's annual Zoofari fundraisers. In subsequent years, Orangutan Island was enlarged, the Herpetarium was expanded with a new aquatic wing, and many other exhibits as well as facilities such as the gift shop, offices, and concession stands were remodeled or added. The zoo also received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1978. Although only four classes were taught that summer, the program has expanded over the years and now includes classes in the spring and fall as well as summer. In 1978, the zoo launched its summer study programs on a trial basis with classes for children in grades 1 through 12. The naturalistic exhibits at the zoo won the 1979 Texas Building Branch of Associated General Contractors Outstanding Construction Award. The zoo published the first issue of its Zoo News (its official newsletter and now a quarterly publication) in January 1972. The zoo has been the single largest recipient from the foundation funds established by Sams. The first addition to its exhibits was the Herpetarium, which opened in April 1973. Sams Foundation to the City of Brownsville. The zoo was planned, built, stocked, and given by the Earl C. After its opening, the zoo was given to the city of Brownsville. Porter, a wildlife enthusiast, helped to plan and stock the zoo, which was entirely funded by the Earl C. The zoo is named after Gladys Porter, the daughter of Earl C. It is the first zoo to have successfully bred the vulnerable Jentink's Duiker (although none are currently in captivity in the USA). Situated on 31 acres (13 ha), the zoo houses about 400 animal species (including 47 endangered species) and over 250 tropical and neo-tropical species and subspecies. The zoo officially opened on September 3, 1971, and currently averages 375,000 visitors annually. Gladys Porter Zoo is a zoological and botanical park located in Brownsville, Texas. The species’ survival is threatened due to habitat loss, retaliatory killing from farmers, and illegal hunting, the organization reported.25★4′44″N 97☂9′46″W / 25.9123°N 97.4962°W / 25.9123 -97.4962 The species is the only bear found in South America, living in the Andes mountains from western Venezuela to southern Bolivia. He’s undergoing positive reinforcement training to help him get comfortable with his travel crate, so he has “a smooth journey to his new home in Texas.”Īndean bears like Ben are categorized as “vulnerable” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. In the meantime, Ben is in a nonpublic portion of the zoo, according to the release. The zoo says they consulted with members of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Andean Bear Species Survival Plan, the AZA Bear Taxon Advisory Group, and the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Queens Zoo to find a new home for Ben. “I am so grateful for the excellent care provided to Ben by our Animal Care team here and everyone’s willingness to seek opportunities for Ben to thrive.” “While we love Ben, and wish he could stay with us, our goal is to do what is best for him,” said Regina Mossotti, vice president of animal care at the St. The zoo’s Andean bear habitat features a “moat rather than steel mesh outdoor habitat, which the group believes would be a more ideal environment for Ben,” according to the news release. Louis Zoo announced Tuesday a group of institutions and experts agreed it was best for Ben to be transferred to the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas, which has a “long history of working with Andean bears.” Both times, he was safely returned to his habitat. Just weeks later, after the zoo made his enclosure more secure by adding stainless steel cargo clips rated at 450 pounds tensile strength, the wily creature got out again. First, he damaged the steel mesh in his outdoor habitat until a cable gave way, allowing him to work his way out. Louis zoo - againīen made headlines breaking out of his enclosure twice in February. Andean bear Ben escaped his enclosure at Saint Louis Zoo for a second time this month From Saint Louis ZooĪndean bear breaks out of enclosure at St.
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