Gladys Porter is what I like to term a "stagnant zoo", as it is similar to others (like Milwaukee) that have not changed that much during the past 10-20 years. The Gladys Porter Zoo's history book is quite informative, and it seems that the vast bulk of the zoo was constructed in the 1970's. Since then money has been tight, numerous summer exhibits have come and gone (like multiple years with animatronic dinosaurs) and yet the exhibits have barely been touched in terms of upgrades. I visited in August after a month of scorching weather throughtout Texas and the southern U.S., and so that definitely added to the barren landscape in some of the paddocks.
In my review on my summer road trip thread I provided a long list of the rare and exotic creatures found at the zoo, and Gladys Porter is probably in America's top 5 zoos for extremely rare animals. The enclosures are generally of about average quality, with several huge hoofstock yards and a lot of rockwork that at times overshadows the scenic resacas (waterways) that wind through the zoo's grounds. The collection is a must-see for any hardcore zoo enthusiast, but it is a long drive to the very tip of Texas!
