Gladys Porter Zoo Celebrates Grand Opening of Soaring Eagle Zipline, Launching New Era of Adventure and Tourism

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
 
Gladys Porter Zoo Celebrates Grand Opening of Soaring Eagle Zipline, Launching New Era of Adventure and Tourism
 
 
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (July 9, 2025) – The Gladys Porter Zoo today hosted a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially opening its highly anticipated Soaring Eagle Zipline. This landmark attraction marks the exciting completion of the first project in Phase I of the Zoo’s 10-year Master Plan, promising an unparalleled aerial adventure and a boost to tourism in Brownsville.  The Soaring Eagle Zipline, a dual-rider attraction, takes guests on an exhilarating journey over 120 feet in the air, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Zoo grounds, the lush landscape stretching to the Rio Grande River, and even glimpses into neighboring Mexico. 
 
Designed to attract a new demographic of adventure seekers, the zipline provides a unique perspective of the Zoo’s diverse habitats and a thrilling new way to experience Brownsville.  "Today is a momentous occasion, fulfilling the vision we shared at our groundbreaking," said Dr. Patrick M. Burchfield, Zoo Director. "The Soaring Eagle Zipline is more than just a ride; it's a testament to our commitment to innovation, enhancing the visitor experience, and driving a more active tourism economy for South Texas. This investment paves the way for the Gladys Porter Zoo's future as a dynamic, modern facility that continues to delight and educate."
 
“In the Gladys Porter Zoo, we have the most prominent tourist destination south of San Antonio and we as a City are committed to further enhancing the Zoo experience for visitors,” said John Cowen. Jr., Brownsville City Mayor. “That is why we partnered with Zoo leaders and Brownsville Independent School District leaders to plan and execute the Zoo Master Plan. Together we are working towards a common goal, one project at a time. The renovated Zoo will be the premiere destination in South Texas.”   
 
“The Soaring Eagle Zipline is the first step to maximizing the visitor experience at the Gladys Porter Zoo,” said Helen Ramirez, ICMA-CM, AICP, Brownsville City Manager. “As we move forward with the Zoo Master Plan, we will be creating more recreational options. We will be emphasizing wildlife conservation and education. And we are creating the Zoo that our community deserves for generations to come. Improving Brownsville for the future generations. That’s our goal.” 
 
BCIC's President & CEO, Cori Peña, added, "For over two decades, BCIC’s investments in quality of life have directly shaped Gladys Porter Zoo, funding critical enhancements like the interactive Flamingo Encounter in 2014 and the improved botanical playground in 2017, among others. The newly added Soaring Eagle Zipline is a natural continuation of this partnership. Beyond enhancing visitor appreciation for local ecosystems and wildlife conservation, this attraction also strengthens Brownsville’s economic landscape by drawing visitors, supporting tourism revenue, and contributing directly to our zoo’s sustainability."
 
The Soaring Eagle Zipline will cost $8 per ride. Riders will also have the option to purchase a “Kool Replay” of their experience, which would include a photo, video, or both, for an additional $7-$12. The ride is projected to generate approximately $415,000 in gross revenue annually, contributing directly to the Zoo's mission and future development. With the zipline now operational, the Zoo will shift its focus to other transformative projects outlined in the Master Plan, including completion of Phase II of El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco for the benefit of the Zoo’s ocelots and Central and South American primates, an expansive new lion habitat, unique guest amenities, and a reimagined, sensory-friendly Small World for children of all ages and abilities.
 
The Gladys Porter Zoo invites the community and visitors to experience the thrill of the Soaring Eagle Zipline and discover the Zoo from a whole new perspective.
 
About the Gladys Porter Zoo:
Opened 54 years ago in 1971, the Gladys Porter Zoo is a world-renowned zoological and botanical park located in Brownsville, Texas. Founded on a deep concern for endangered wildlife and a commitment to educating the community about conservation, the Zoo houses a diverse collection of 335 species of animals and 237 species of plants. It is recognized for its up-close animal encounters, its participation in 91 Species Survival Plans, and its significant role in regional tourism, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from across the U.S. and internationally.
 
About the City of Brownsville:
The City of Brownsville is the county seat of Cameron County and is the largest City in the Rio Grande Valley. Its location is attractive since it is the closest to major tourist attractions, business and travel destinations, including SpaceX’s Starbase, the Gladys Porter Zoo, and South Padre Island. The City is located just 20-minutes from sandy beaches of the Gulf.
The City of Brownsville serves as a trade center for the South Texas region. Despite rapid growth in the local economy, job market, and residential opportunities, Brownsville retains its identity and historical significance. Learn more about the City – On the Border, By the Sea, and Beyond at www.VisitBTX.com and www.BrownsvilleTX.gov!
 
About the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation:
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development corporation. It is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development, enhancing quality of life, fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting strategic projects, and cultivating partnerships that support Brownsville’s thriving and vibrant community. BCIC operates under four core pillars. The first is Community Development, achieved through initiatives like the BIG Grants, which support the revitalization and preservation of Historical Downtown Brownsville, and the Quality of Life Grants, designed to enhance the community’s well-being. The second pillar is Finance Programs, which support local small businesses by providing financial resources to help them start or expand. The third pillar is Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where BCIC supports the entrepreneurial journey with incubation, acceleration, and continuous assistance. Lastly, BCIC’s Marketing and Communications efforts drive public engagement by amplifying the impact of programs, fostering community pride, and promoting Brownsville as an attractive hub for living, working, and investing.
 
For more information, visit www.brownsvillecic.com. For media inquiries, please contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@brownsvillecic.com