Ocelot Conservation Day in the Valley

Join the US Fish and Wildlife Service in celebrating the beautiful ocelot of the Rio Grande Valley!

The first Saturday in March is Cameron County’s official “Ocelot Conservation Day”. An event for families will be offered March 4, from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the South Texas Discovery Center at Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville. Fun activities for kids include an activity book, making ocelot masks and magnets. There will be a variety of information tables and exhibits featuring ocelot conservation. An informative presentation, including an appearance by a live ambassador ocelot from the Cincinnati Zoo is scheduled for 10:00 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm on a first-come, first-served ticketed basis. The entire event is free, however, Zoo admission costs apply. Additional sponsors include Friends of Laguna Atascosa Refuge, and the Payne Auto Group.

In the United States, ocelots were historically found throughout Texas and into Arkansas and Louisiana. Today, fewer than 80 of these native wild cats are estimated to be left in the U.S., all of which are found deep in South Texas. The loss of dense forest habitat and getting hit by cars are the greatest threats to their long-term survival. Discover what is being done to recover this endangered species and how the public can help. For more information call the Laguna Atascosa Visitor Center at 956-748-3607 ext.111 or visit the website at www.fws.gov/refuge/laguna_atascosa. For more information about Gladys Porter Zoo and directions to the event, please visit www.gpz.org.