A new ocelot joins the Gladys Porter Zoo family
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- Published: Wednesday, 30 October 2024 16:41
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 time in their shared outdoor habitat. This is an important process that must take place in order to ensure the safety and comfort of both animals.
Renowned for a volume and variety of wild, free-flying butterflies that cannot be found anywhere else in the country, deep south Texas is home of the country’s premier butterfly event. The National Butterfly Center is hosting the 28th Annual Texas Butterfly Festival this weekend. For those that registered early, there will be several days of exploring renowned public lands and private properties with world-class leaders. For those that were not able to register, there is a free community day for visitors on Saturday, October 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attendees to this event typically hail from at least half of the 50 states and multiple countries. They converge at the National Butterfly Center in the Rio Grande Valley to experience one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America. Go see for yourself why this region has earned worldwide recognition for its outstanding butterfly and birding spots, inviting thousands of visitors each year to discover its remarkable assortment of preserves, refuges, nature parks, trails, and more.
Nearly 150 species of North American butterflies can be seen only in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), or by traveling to Mexico. More than 300 species of butterflies may be found in the LRGV, and more than 240 species have been seen at the National Butterfly Center, including rarities and US records.
The Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas invites you to their 54th Annual Dakee Si (Fall Gathering) Lipan Apache Tribe of Texas Powwow on Saturday, October 26, from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Alton Recreation Center, 349 Dawes Ave. in Alton. Dancing and presentations will be held throughout the day. The event is free.
To volunteer or for more information, contact Robert Soto at (956) 648-8129, 
The wait is over! New season tickets for the upcoming Valley Symphony Orchestra 2024-25 Masterworks Concerts are now available. As a new season ticket holder, you’ll enjoy exclusive benefits such as 15% savings on each ticket, no processing fees (up to $20 of additional savings per ticket), priority seating, and early access to events. And if you’re renewing your season tickets, we’re holding on to your seats, but don’t wait too long!
The City of Edinburg’s Cultural Arts Department is excited to present "Los Muertos Bailan," a lively and free Día de los Muertos celebration, taking place on October 26 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. This vibrant event, which spans from Edinburg City Hall to the Museum of South Texas History, offers a night of color, culture, and community as Edinburg honors the lives of loved ones through art, music, and dance.
The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is thrilled to introduce IMAS After Dark, an exciting new program designed to offer adults a fresh way to enjoy the museum. With themed evening events throughout the year, this series provides an exclusive opportunity for adults (21+) to explore the museum’s engaging art and science exhibits in a lively atmosphere. Each night features complimentary beverages, interactive activities, and social experiences that bring a whole new vibe to the IMAS.
With Halloween around the corner, spooky skeletons are going to be seen everywhere, especially at Quinta Mazatlán. However, not all skeletons are scary, and the Sticks & Bones Trail at Quinta Mazatlán will show the fun and not-so-spooky side of skeletons. Visit this outdoor educational exhibit through the woods, located at 600 Sunset Drive in McAllen, open from October to the first weekend in November. Visitors will have fun and learn about bones through signage, trail exhibits, and scavenger hunt sheets. Attendees are encouraged to celebrate the spooky season by dressing in costume and capturing favorite photo moments with over 30 skeleton installations.
McAllen Public Library will be kicking off its 11th annual international-award winning book festival with an extensive slew of authors for readers of every age. Go find out who’s coming and all the exciting and fun activities taking place during the event, including storytelling, book sales, author signings and other special guest appearances. Visitors can also meet the new mascot, Marty the Library Cat.
