BISD board votes to move forward with sale of Cummings to expand Gladys Porter Zoo

BROWNSVILLE, Texas (ValleyCentral) — City of Brownsville officials are showing their support after the Brownsville Independent School District unanimously voted to move forward with negotiations on the sale of Cummings Middle School to expand the Gladys Porter Zoo.

The expansion is needed for the zoo as it could lose its accreditation by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums due to lack of suitable space for larger animals like lions, gorillas, tigers and others.

On Wednesday night, the BISD board voted 7-0 to allow its superintendent to move forward with negotiations for the sale of the middle school.

"Thank you to everyone who came out to speak at the BISD meeting," said Brownsville Commissioner Pedro Cardenas. "You have all taken a huge step toward making our zoo a better place."

Commissioner Linda Macias shared the same sentiment, stating the following on social media:

"I am so incredibly proud of everyone that showed up to support the consideration for negotiations for Cummings which will provide an expansion for Gladys porter Zoo! We did it!"

Brownsville City Mayor John Cowen also took to social media to express his gratitude for this "monumental decision" that will ensure the zoo remains one of the city's most treasured community institutions.