As many businesses are right now, businesses like Gladys Porter Zoo (GPZ) that run on funds raised through admission fees and memberships, are suffering. Due to COVID-19, many tourist attractions throughout the country have been forced to close because of disaster declarations. This puts places like zoos in a need because they have not only their employees to pay, but also grounds to take of and animals to feed.
Currently, GPZ is working with a small staff, just what they need to keep the grounds tidy and make sure the animals don’t go hungry. But, because of the lack of income from admissions, the zoo is finding it hard to come up with the necessary funds to finance the cost to fee the animals through the end of April.
In response to the need, Cynthia Garza Galvan, marketing director at GPZ, started a GoFundMe campaign to raise the needed funds.
Galvan said anyone can get involved with helping the zoo, and it doesn’t have to be with just donating money. Any revenue coming into the zoo right now is going toward its operating funds.
Potential visitors of the zoo can purchase memberships. If you purchase a membership now to help the zoo during this time, your membership will start from the date the zoo reopens, not the date of purchase. Single memberships start at $60 and are good for 12 months. A membership will not only get you into GPZ for free but is also valid at over 100 zoos nationwide. There are other perks with the membership including special parking area and free admission to special events.
Another way to donate, since people are using Amazon to purchase items, is to use Amazon Smile. You go to smile.amazon.com and sign into you regular account. A portion of your purchase will go toward GPZ if you select the Valley Zoological Society in Brownsville as your charity to support.
Galvan said Winter Texans are a vital part of the zoo during the winter months and she wanted to share this information with that audience. Many Winter Texans go through the zoo’s Docent training program and become registered volunteers to help with tours and other areas of the zoo. They can always find something to do, she said of the Winter Texan community.
For more information about GPZ, visit them online at gpz.org. For more information about how you can help, visit, http://gpz.org/how-you-can-help/. For more information about the zoo, becoming a volunteer, or anything else, email info@gpz.org.
