GLADYS PORTER ZOO - SPACEX SPONSORS FREE COMMUNITY DAY

Contact Marketing Department:

Alejandra Rodríguez – a.rodriguez@gpz.org 

Cynthia Garza Galvan – cynthia@gpz.org 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SpaceX Sponsors Free Community Day at Gladys Porter Zoo: Enjoy Autumn Weather and Explore El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco 

Free zoo admission tickets will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to the first 4,000 guests at the SpaceX tent on Saturday, October 24.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (October 19, 2026) — With cooler fall temperatures offering the perfect backdrop for an outdoor outing, Gladys Porter Zoo is pleased to partner with SpaceX for a Community Day on Saturday, October 24, 2026. 

Thanks to the generous support of SpaceX, the first 4,000 guests to visit the SpaceX tent set up directly in front of the Zoo’s main entrance will receive free admission tickets on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last.  To ensure as many families as possible can join the fun, tickets are limited to one per person present in line. Bulk distribution or holding passes for absent party members is not permitted.  

Along with enjoying the refreshing fall breeze during your visit, zoo visitors will have the opportunity to explore El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco, a groundbreaking exhibit showcasing Mesoamerican architecture and lush habitats for primates, ocelots, capybaras, prehensile-tailed porcupine and caiman.  

“We are grateful to SpaceX for their continued investment in the Gladys Porter Zoo,” said Dr. Patrick M. Burchfield, Zoo Director.  This Community Day will provide families across the valley the opportunity to experience world-class zoo right here in Brownsville at no cost to them,” 

Following the success of similar community initiatives throughout the summer, SpaceX representatives will be on-site throughout the morning distributing free admission passes and interacting with guests.

Event Highlights:

• Free Zoo Admission: Distributed to the first 4,000 guests at the SpaceX tent located at the Zoo entrance (first-come, first-served; while supplies last).
• Awaken Your Inner Explorer: Experience the newly expanded El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco exhibit featuring Mesoamerican inspired architectural ruins and an overhead ocelot skywalk for an incredible up-close view of Texas’ rarest wildcats.  

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
• Ticket Distribution Location: SpaceX tent directly in front of the Gladys Porter Zoo entrance
• Time: Ticket distribution begins at 8:30 a.m. 
• Admission Rules: Tickets are required for entry and will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests must be physically present in line to receive a ticket (limit one ticket per person present; tickets will not be given out for individuals not in attendance). Parking fees, concessions, and special rides/attractions (such as the Soaring Eagle Zipline) are not included with free general admission.

Alejandra CW Rodríguez

Marketing Coordinator

500 Ringgold Street, Brownsville, TX 78520

T: (956) 546-7187 |  F: (956) 541-4940 

 [www.gpz.org]www.gpz.org   |  a.rodriguez@gpz.org