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The city of Brownsville, Gladys Porter Zoo and the Brownsville Independent School District are moving forward to enhance the zoo’s future as a world-class attraction and to relocate BISD’s Cummings Career and Technical Education Center.
Following unanimous approval by the city and BISD, an amended and restarted inter-local agreement has been enacted that includes a lease agreement and real estate contract for the former Cummings Middle School property adjacent to Dean Porter Park and across Ringgold Street from the zoo.
The three entities announced the developments in a news release Friday morning.
“The city of Brownsville is committed to this $16 million investment in BISD through the purchase of the Cummings property, site of the current CTE programs,” Brownsville City Manager Helen Ramirez said.
“This is about our community’s future, ensuring a win-win-win situation for BISD, the zoo and the city. This effort is a testament to our ONE CITY efforts,” Ramirez stated in the release.
Brownsville’s zoo is not only the city’s biggest tourist draw but is also known around the country for its successful breeding program to conserve endangered species. Accreditation by the national Association of Zoos and Aquariums allows it to pursue that mission. AZA standards are continually evolving, however, and Gladys Porter has been told it must modernize and expand some of its major exhibits in order to maintain accreditation.
On Friday, Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, BISD Superintendent Jesus H. Chavez and other officials expressed optimism for the project.
“This project represents a milestone in our collaborative effort and vision, harnessing our collective resources to enhance educational facilities and community attractions like the Gladys Porter Zoo,” Cowen stated in the news release.
Chavez said the partnership is helping meet the immediate needs of students and sets a foundation for sustained community growth and development. The relocation of the CTE program will continue to create professional opportunities for Brownsville youth, he stated.
“We are thrilled with the school district’s decision to support the expansion project, which marks a significant milestone for our beloved zoo and its mission of conservation, education, research and healthy outdoor recreation,” Gladys Porter Zoo Executive Director Patrick M. Burchfield stated.
“Enhanced and expanded facilities for our animals are needed to keep pace with the ever increasing level of excellence in animal care required to remain accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,” Burchfield said.
The property acquisition will allow the zoo to nearly double in size, accommodating an African savanna with a watering hole for giraffe and other hoof stock as well as a forest to provide spacious facilities for two groups of West African lowland gorillas.
Other amenities include an entrance complex and a multi-level parking garage that will replace current zoo parking areas slated for conversion into new animal exhibits.
Another project feature is a possible hotel and restaurant area on a separate property to complement the Brownsville tourist area.
