World-class Zoo

The name doesn't exactly conjure up visions of world-class animal exhibits.....but it should. The Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas is one of the best zoos in the US. I'don't know about the ranking.....but it's a good one! Admission is a steal and ranges from about $10 to $13 per adult depending on discounts you can apply. Plan on staying a full day. I recommend packing a lunch. Nothing like picnicking beside the gorilla cage while they are feeding. Makes you feel like one of them! Although the big male was eyeing up my peanut butter sandwich.

Flamingos aren't native to the US but rather Central and South America, even though when you think of Florida you think of Flamingos. These are very beautiful examples. Turns out they feed them a diet that gives them this rich deep pink/coral color.

An immature example.

Notice how they feed with their head down. They are straining the food in the water through their mouth so they only swallow the food not the water.

Yes, you are beautiful!

Lots of turtles. These are soft-shell.

Monkeys at play.

Beautiful Sand Hill Crane

These are rare in Canada but plentiful enough they actually have a hunting season on them in parts of the US.

They had lots of Macaw or Parrots here, but taking pictures in the bright sun in big metal cages is really tough.

Ibis. The color of the Flamingos.

Roseate Spoonbill. We've seen this in the wild but never this close.

Another of the caged Macaws.

These tortoises are huge. The old male is at least 90 years old

This Alligator doesn't look too friendly.

Peacock

Pretty sure this is a Black-capped Night Heron

Some sort of an African crane. Ugly!!!

I can't decide if this duck is ugly, or kinda cute!

African Addax

Lemur

Dromedary Camel

Pygmy Hippo

Zebra

This guy was colorful......from both ends!

Giraffe

Stingrays. They were in an interactive pool. You could put your hands in the water and touch the passing rays. Very cool. They felt smooth and a bit like sandpaper.

Is this fish wearing lipstick??

Lionfish. These are invasive in the Gulf of Mexico. They are causing a lot of trouble for native fish by eating the food and have no natural enemies.

White Siberian Tiger

Siberian Tiger

Small African Deer. Can't recall the name, but they were cute.

Bornean Bearded Pig

Appropriately named, don't you think?

This little guy was only about 10 inches tall when he stood on his hind legs. He was watching the zoo guy coming with a tray of food.

Armadillo

The gorillas were our favorite.

We stopped as they were having lunch.

Fresh cabbage

The big silverback male was impressive. The other got out of his way.

This was amazing to watch. This guy had three cups. He placed them into the water, picked one up and drank from it just as you or I would. Then he placed the empty cup back in the water and picked up a full one and drank it! He did this repeatedly until he had enough water. Smart? Yep!!

The big male contemplating life!

What a great zoo! Well kept, seemingly happy animals, reasonable cost and a great venue that wasn't too crazy busy. It's been a long time since we visited a zoo and we thoroughly enjoyed this one. Highly recommended if you're anywhere near the Rio Grande Valley.

.....and that was Our View From Here!