13 WINTER TEXAN TIMES www.wintertexantimes.com OCTOBER 30, 2024 (956)566-1157 Port Isabel Historical Museum hosts special exhibit The Port Isabel Historical Museum will host a special exhibit through December 15. The exhibit is called Ancient Landscapes of South Texas, Hiding in Plain Sight. Explore 50 million years of natural history and 15,000 years of cultural history of the Rio Grande Valley. From Pleistocene hunters to Spanish rancheros, to the construction of dams, and wind turbines discover how human adaptations were shaped and in turn are shaping the region’s natural history. You can see the exhibit at the Port Isabel Historical Museum, 317 Railroad St., Wednesday though Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $4 for seniors. Call (956) 943-7602 for more information. A documentary, Ancient Landscapes of South Texas, will be showing at the Lighthouse Boutique Hotel, 401 E. Maxan St., as well. Showtimes are Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. There is no admission charge. Port Isabel Museum. Photo by Kathy Olivarez Celebrate Texas State Parks Day with free admission AUSTIN— On November 3, visitors will get free day-use entry at all Texas State Parks in honor of Texas State Parks Day, a tradition born from 2023’s centennial celebration. “Any day in a Texas State Park is a good day,” said Rodney Franklin, Director of Texas State Parks. “I hope this continued event from our centennial celebration motivates all Texans to explore what the outdoors has to offer. You are invited to visit a park that is new to you, take a friend and try a new adventure.” Texas has more than 80 parks throughout the state to offer a wide variety of outdoor day-use activities such as wildlife watching, walking or hiking, park programs, camping, biking, swimming, paddleboarding and many more. Visit the TPWD website for a list of activities and events in a park near you. Ahead of Veterans Day on November 11, Texas State Parks reminds visitors of new Parklands Passports available to veterans. These passports are available at no cost and grant the cardholder free entry to all Texas State Parks. “Texas Parks and Wildlife and state parks join everyone in expressing our appreciation to veterans and the service men and women of our military,” said Franklin. “Thousands have taken advantage of our new veterans/military passes to enjoy state parks in Texas. Thank you for your service and enjoy some fall weather in a Texas State Park!” Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Parks will operate as they normally do and will control admissions by their established capacity limits. All other fees will still apply on that day. You can find a park near you by visiting their website at tpwd. texas.gov/state-parks/. For more information about the passport visit the Texas Parklands Passports page on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department website. 8 . n o n e g A new ocelot joins the Gladys Porter Zoo family Gladys Porter Zoo staff are inviting the public to come out and meet our newest resident, Ignacio, a seven-year-old ocelot. Iggy, as he is affectionately called, joins a female ocelot that currently resides at the Zoo, Leeloo. Iggy arrived at the Zoo in early August from the Palm Beach Zoo in Florida. After completing the mandatory quarantine period, he is now slowly being introduced to Leeloo. To ensure a safe and easy transition for both cats, zookeepers are gradually allowing them to get acquainted with one another. Zookeepers are working hard on acclimating the pair. As of now, the pair are becoming familiar with one another’s scent behind the scenes and taking turns spending See OCELOT pg. 16 Hawk Tower at RGV Bentsen State Park. Courtesy photo
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