Income from this permanent endowment now ensures that the zoo can maintain and improve itself. 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 also the birthplace of Harambe, the gorilla. It is the first zoo to have successfully bred the endangered Jentink's duiker (although none are currently in captivity in the US). 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 over 424,000 visitors annually. Gladys Porter Zoo is a zoological and botanical park located in Brownsville, Texas, United States. Recipients are required to share a brief bio, description of their threat-reducing activities and photo after awardees have been announced.25★4′44″N 97☂9′46″W / 25.9123°N 97.4962°W / 25.9123 -97.4962 Up to three (3) awards of up to $500 each can be awarded annually based on the selection committee’s recommendations. If they receive an award and want to apply again in following years, additional applications will be considered based on activity expansion or new threat-reducing actions. Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and selection will be based on the criteria described above. Nominations and recommendation letters are not necessary. To be considered, eligible Zoo Crew must fill out an online application consideration is not automatic. Zoo Crew members in good standing are eligible to apply. Priority will be given to direct actions to reduce threats to wildlife, but award considerations will be given to those who raise funds to help with Texas conservation efforts.Actions must be initiated and led by the teen applying for the award.Actions must align with Houston Zoo’s initiatives to reduce threats to local Texas wildlife.Applicant must have made a notable contribution to the protection of Texas wildlife and their wild spaces.To be considered for this award Zoo Crew must meet the following criteria: The award selection committee has now opened this award up to current Zoo Crew members who have made a notable contribution to the protection of Texas wildlife and their wild spaces. Heiser, Jr., in 1970 to honor “a Texas citizen who has made significant contributions to the appreciation and preservation of the earth’s heritage of living creatures, their environment, their ecology, and/or their relation to human welfare.” Notable recipients of the award include Gladys Porter, Merlin D. The Alban-Heiser Conservation Award was established by former director of the Zoological Society of Houston, Joseph M.
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