Victor Ortega BROWNSVILLE – The Gladys Porter Zoo is home to over 300 species of animals, some of which are getting a new home in the Mundo Huasteco enclosures inspired by Pre-Columbian cultures.
Gladys Porter Zoo Director Patrick Burchfield says the areas will host a spacious and tropical outdoor space for the animals.
The team behind the project worked hard to replicate the look of the cultures’ architecture.
“We hope to have it complete within less than a year and we’re on track to do that,” Burchfield said. “And that’s kind of amazing because of the amount of artwork and research that went into the design of the pyramid which will house the animals. So, in addition to learning about animals, people will learn a little bit about some of their culture.”
According to Burchfield, besides learning opportunities, the zoo will also offer new thrills with a zipline.
“The zipline is installed and functional, and now we’re making the amenities for the public, the loading dock, ticketing operations,” he said.
Animals near the construction site have been removed from the enclosures.
Once work on the area is done, the zoo team will bring the animals back to test their reaction to the zipline.
Some guests are visiting the park regularly in hopes of riding the upcoming attraction like one visitor Susan Lopez.
“I can’t wait for the zipline,” Lopez said. “Like, we were we were hoping it was open already. Our students were excited on getting on the zipline, and so was I. So, we can’t wait till it’s open so we can come back and try it out.”
People that have not visited the zoo in years are also excited for the zipline like Writing Center Learning Specialist Jasmine Muñoz.
“I used to have a membership, so, I was thinking of renewing it so I can just kind of [be like the] first VIP zipline person,” Muñoz said.
More details on the opening dates of the zipline and expansion will be given as construction nears completion.
